Phl now in Cycle Asia calendar

MANILA, Philippines - Cycle Asia, which organizes and promotes a network of cycling festivals in the region, has just included the Philippines in its growing calendar.

Following the huge success of the OCBC Cycle Malaysia and OCBC Cycle Singapore, Cycle Asia will hold the inaugural BGC Cycle Philippines on Nov. 15-17.

Chris Robb, managing director of Spectrum Worldwide, owner of Cycle Asia, graced a well-attended press launch yesterday at the chic SEDA Hotel at BGC (Bonifacio Global City).

“I just returned from the Tour de France and what struck me was the incredible global growth of recreational cycling, seeing thousands and thousands and thousands of recreational cyclists along the road,” he said.

Robb said he had seen the same development in Asia over the last five years, and it only reminds him of the running boom in the 1970s and 1990s.

The visitor from Australia would like to see the same here in the country when Cycle Philippines holds the three-day cycling festival at the BGC in Taguig.

Sunrise Events, which is headed by Alaska Milk CEO Fred Uytengsu, and BGC has hooked up with Spectrum Worldwide in putting it up.

They expect around 3,000 participants, the bulk of which being recreational riders who will vie in the tricycle ride, kids’ ride and 20K community ride.

The elite riders will have their own race – a 40 km criterium. It will be limited to just around 200 riders.

Uytengsu, a certified triathlete, said they could have gone for a higher number of participants but said that’s not the primary objective.

“The first objective is to promote sports tourism and a healthy lifestyle. In any event that Sunrise puts up, the first thing we look at is the safety of the participants,” said Uytengsu.

Sunrise Events is the Philippine partner of the World Triathlon Corporation, and since 2008 has staged world-class sporting events like the Ironman 70.3, Xterra and Ironkids.

“We will only admit the number we can manage until we find a way to accommodate more,” said the hottest team owner in the Philippine Basketball Association.

“Before, running was the main sport at BGC and it’s still very much present in the city. Then came football and now we recognize cycling,” said Manny Blas, head of commercial operations for the Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation.

After Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines, Cycle Asia will soon open its doors to Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Myanmar, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. 

“Cycling continues to enjoy strong growth in the Philippines and we are naturally thrilled to introduce this event at BGC,” he added.

“So, let’s get the message out,” said Robb.