(From left) Nezzam, Adam Adli, Mohd Muzammer and Evanson at the launch of OCBC Cycle Kuala Lumpur.
THE seventh edition of OCBC Cycle Kuala Lumpur, dubbed “The City Ride” for its emphasis on enabling extended rides on closed roads, will be held on March 3.
Flagging off from and finishing at Dataran Merdeka, the route will take participants on a cycling extravaganza through the streets, greenery and past iconic landmarks of the capital.
The event was launched by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim and attended by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Culture, Arts, Tourism and Sports director Mohd Muzammer Jamaluddin, OCBC Bank managing director and head of Brand and Communications Julius Evanson and Multigreen Events Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Nezzam Malek.
Registration for the event is open to those over 18 at www.ocbccyclekl.com until Feb 3 with pre-opening sign-ups at close to 2,000 riders already.
A maximum of 3,000 can sign up for what is the only mass cycling event on closed roads in the city centre.
Those interested may choose from the 42km and 21km ride categories, along with the 42km corporate category for teams of 10, also known as the KL Mayor’s Ride.
This year, for the first time, OCBC Cycle KL will feature a Kids Push Bike category, designed for young cyclists aged three to seven.
There are two distances to choose from: 150m and 200m.
The 200m ride is exclusively for seven-year-olds, providing them with that extra bit of challenge.
OCBC Cycle KL 2024 will also feature prizes for three bicycle types for adults – mountain, road and folding bikes – for both men and women.
Everyone will receive a medal and digital certificate for participating, along with goodies from the sponsors.
The OCBC Cycle KL 2024 ride complements the OCBC KL Car Free Morning at Dataran DBKL, which is designed for leisure cyclists and other sporting enthusiasts.
As in previous years, OCBC Cycle KL 2024 is title-sponsored by OCBC Bank (M) Bhd and OCBC Al-Amin Bank Bhd, organised by Multigreen Events and supported by DBKL and the police.
Mohd Muzammer said he was pleased to see OCBC Cycle KL back for the second time since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“When OCBC Cycle KL returned for the first time since the pandemic (in 2023), it was evident just how sorely missed it was with organisers having to turn away some due to the numbers exceeding the capacity.
“I am sure many are looking forward to the event, as evidenced by the strong pre-launch sign-ups.
“It is the only long city ride with an uninterrupted stretch of 21km on closed roads.
“It enables participants to soak in the beauty of Kuala Lumpur on their bikes.
“Cycling enthusiasts can engage in a healthy sport and push themselves a little harder right in the heart of the city.”
Nezzam said the 21km stretch would take participants well beyond the 7km stretch they might be used to during KL’s car free mornings.
“Those who are a bit more experienced can opt for the 42km option, which involves doing the 21km loop twice.
“We hope there will also be strong participation in the KL Mayor’s Ride this year, which is designed for teams of 10 to compete against each other over 42km.”
Nezzam also thanked OCBC Bank and OCBC Al-Amin for once again being the force behind the event.
Evanson said the ride would, like last year, create an awareness of environmentally friendly and sustainable practices by facilitating recycling and ensuring minimal use of single-use materials.
