S’pore sets its sights on OCBC Cycle title

SINGAPORE — They managed to reach the final of last year’s OCBC Cycle SEA Speedway Championship, but ultimately fell short of winning it as they were beaten by Causeway rivals Malaysia.

But this year, with almost a new group of cyclists on board, Singapore are hoping to go one better at the event that is held along Stadium Drive, outside the National Stadium, and take home the S$6,000 winner’s cheque.

Led by captain Ho Jun Rong, the team includes Gabriel Tan, Raymond Quek, Muhammad Irsyad and Junaidi Bin Hashim, the sole survivor from last year’s outfit.

Singapore, however, must first navigate their way out a potentially tricky group stage after being drawn with the Philippines and Brunei. The second group is made up of Malaysia, Cambodia and Myanmar.

Nonetheless, Ho said he was confident that the Republic will win the title this year.

Speaking at yesterday’s official draw at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, the 26-year-old said: “We’ll have a relatively harder time as compared to Malaysia. But I’m still confident and while making it to the final is our minimum target, our goal ultimately is to win.

“We’ve only been training together for the past three months together, but I think we’ve done pretty well to get our team dynamics to the current level now.”

Added SCF head coach Adrian Ng: “I think we stand a good chance of winning the competition. Although it’ll be a tough fight in the group stage against the Philippines. Brunei will be tricky as well, and of course Malaysia are the favourites, but I have confidence in the team to go all the way this year.”

Close to 6,800 riders are expected to take part in the remaining four main categories of the OCBC Cycle this weekend. NOAH TAN