MANILA, PHILIPPINES 16 November 2013 – BGC Cycle Philippines hits the road on 15-17 November inside Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, with more than 2,000 cyclists ready for three days of thrilling action and activities in the tradition of highly successful Cycle Asia events staged across the region.
The event, put up by title sponsor BGC and organized by Sunrise Events, Inc., is the latest addition to the 2013 Cycle Asia calendar. Cycle Asia is the network of premier cycling events that offers riders the rare opportunity to ride in major Asian cities.
"Cycling continues to enjoy strong growth in the Philippines and we are naturally thrilled to introduce the event at Bonifacio Global City," said Manny Blas II, head of Commercial Operations, Fort Bonifacio Development Corp.
To guarantee safety among participants and ensure the smooth staging of the event, organizers will keep the routes partially closed.
The novel event, featuring cyclists of all ages and abilities, will have participants test their skills in The Tricycle Ride, The Kids’ Ride, The Community Ride (20km and 40km) and The Challenge (40km) capped by the “Ride with Australian Robbie McEwen.” All kids’ ride will be on 16 November while the mass participation rides will be held on 17 November.
McEwen, who also serves as the Cycle Asia ambassador, is a three-time Tour de France winner in the sprint category and considered as the fastest sprinter in the world at his peak. A former Australian BMX champion, McEwen switched to road racing in 1990 at age 18 and raced as a pro from 1996 to 2012. He last rode for Orica-GreenEDGE on the UCI World Tour after competing in the 2012 Tour of California.
“SEI’s goal is to stage world class events and promote a healthy lifestyle among families. We have seen the growth of triathlon and running and we see cycling to be moving in the same direction,” said Wilfred Uytengsu, president of SEI, which also organizes the annual Ironman Philippines, Xterra and IronKids events. “On its debut, the event attracted 2,100 cyclists of all ages. It will be one great weekend of cycling fun.”
A Cycling & Lifestyle Expo has also been lined up for this weekend’s cycling festival to keep the entire family entertained over three days.
"While the unique venue will certainly offer local cyclists a fantastic riding experience, we also look forward to hosting visitors from around the region as they enjoy the unique thrill of participating in the very first BGC Cycle Philippines,” said Blas.
Aside from the cycling action during BGC Cycle Philippines, Bonifacio Global City also offers a huge range of activities for tourists to take advantage of during their stay. The district is well known for its open-air lifestyle retail and dining concept and public art program, as well as a world-class science museum and parks.
Owned and organized by Spectrum Worldwide, Cycle Asia has already staged two hugely successful events in 2013 – OCBC Cycle Malaysia and OCBC Cycle Singapore, which attracted over 5,000 and 11,500 participants, respectively. The Gold Coast Festival of Cycling was also held last September.
“We are delighted to be expanding Cycle Asia to the Philippines and we look forward to working alongside Sunrise Events who have built an outstanding reputation for delivering first-class sporting events,” said Chris Robb, Managing Director, Spectrum Worldwide.
Other backers of the event, also held for the benefit of the Firefly Brigade, are F2P, Felt Bicycles, Garmin, Gatorade, Intercare, Lexus, Manila Water, The Philippine Star, Red Garlic, Rudy Project, Seda, Walter Bread and MMDA.
