กรุงเทพฯ--26 พ.ย.--Vivaldi Public Relations
The exciting spectacle of the Bangkok Bank CycleFest returns for a second year of thrilling races and off-track fun, with approximately 2,600 cyclists taking part. Once again this year's event takes place at the stunning beach town resort of Pattaya, Thailand where participants will enjoy two days of two-wheeled activities. The energy-charged weekend focuses on rides of 30KM to 62KM, and in addition there are slower paced options for those wanting to enjoy less rigorous rides. The Bangkok Bank CycleFest 2018 takes place on the scenic, closed-road circuits around Siam Country Club, one of Thailand's most renowned international sporting event venues. This beautiful location will further enhance the experience for the riders.
Participants have a variety of rides to choose from including: timed rides, challenging off-road rides, fun rides, and a team time trial, with so many choices, there's indeed "A Ride for All". Besides races, riders can enjoy quality downtime with family and friends at the Festival Village, which will feature a range of F&B outlets, kids activities, booths selling a range of cycling equipment as well as sponsored activities plus a welcome chance to rest and recharge in our lounge area.
In addition to the fun, the Bangkok Bank CycleFest also places a focus on community and will raise funds for the event's official charity, the Pattaya-based Father Ray Foundation, which takes care of 850 orphaned, abused and disadvantaged children and students with disabilities. All 720,000 baht raised from the entry fees from the Fun Ride category will be donated to the Father Ray Charity. Individual riders are also offered the opportunity to kindly offer a contribution of their own.
"Bangkok Bank is very pleased to support the bicycle sport in Thailand. We are delighted to see many cyclists in Thailand and from abroad taking to their bikes on this wonderful weekend. We are genuinely committed to helping drive the growth of Thailand's lively cycling scene in a safe way while also giving as many people as possible the chance to enjoy an activity that so many of us appreciate," said Director and Executive Vice President of Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, Dr. Thaweelap Rittapirom. "The Bangkok Bank CycleFest is an exciting example of how we continually strive to fulfill our corporate social responsibilities, with the goal of enhancing the quality of life and sustainability for society. Bangkok Bank also wants to help enhance cycling as a sport in Thailand and promote the country as a major destination for sports."
The event makes a great contribution to the sense of community spirit, Dr. Thaweelap added, for allowing people of all ages to experience the thrill of racing. "With the new category of 'Off Road Race' this year, we challenge cyclists who participated last year and new participants as well to test their limits and see how far they can go. This new category adds a whole new category of fun to the BANGKOK BANK CYCLEFEST."
This year the Bangkok Bank CycleFest is proud to welcome Andy Schleck, former professional rider and Tour de France winner. The event's international ambassador and Luxembourg National will be on hand to interact and support participants, sharing with them his personal journey of what are takes to go the distance. The bright star on the pro biking circuit won his first race, the Giro d'Italia in 2007, followed by the Liege–Bastogne–Liege two years later. In 2010, his pedal power propelled him to claim the grandest of all bicycling championships, the Tour de France, in which he was competing under the young rider classification for the third consecutive year.
"I am delighted to support this super cycling festival event here in Thailand," said Schleck. "In the last few years, more Thais and expats here are joining in the global biking trend. While cycling sports continue growing more popular in Europe, that region was already highly developed as a cross-border cycling community. It is here in Asia that the really phenomenal growth in biking is taking place. Of course this is welcomed, but it also means that we need to ensure people are educated about safe cycling and the safety of particular roads and biking environments."
"In reaching my greatest achievements as a professional racer, I can definitely say that patience and self-control were key to success," continued the champion cyclist. "If you want to win, you must keep on improving yourself, telling yourself every day that you are capable of attaining the greatest goals. I strongly believe that cycling is a sport promoting equality. Whether you are young or old, rich or poor, and whatever your nationality is, when you're cycling, everyone is a friend along the same route and someone to whom you can talk freely. I hope that this event will inspire passion in cycling not just as a sport but also a part of everyday life."
Other event ambassadors include actors "Nut" Devahastin Na Ayudhya, "Varnvarn" Aroonnapa Panichjaroon and "Mint" Wanicha Kanchanaapirak. Bangkok Bank executives and their ambassadors would like cyclists to remember the charitable aspect of the event, which can add that extra little something to keep riding when you start to feel tired.
"The event concept 'Ride for All' is well reflected in the great variety of categories that the Bangkok Bank CycleFest offers participants," said Senior Vice President, International Strategic Partnerships of Endeavor, Robbie Henchman. "We're proud of the collective effort and support from participants, sponsors and partners as we work together to make the event accessible to all levels of cyclists. Moreover, a crucial part of the Bangkok Bank CycleFest is the ability to run a CSR program that supports a worthwhile organization, while showing our support for the greater Pattaya community. We would not be able to offer this ride to the cycling community of Thailand or benefit the Father Ray Foundation without the strong support of Bangkok Bank and all our sponsors including our premium partners Daikin and GS Battery. We would like to warmly extend a big 'Thank you' to all our sponsors and supporters, who continue to make this event possible."
Besides the races for a good cause and fun activities, all registrants in the Bangkok Bank CycleFest 2018 will be entered in a lucky draw with the top prize of two airline tickets to Paris, four nights accommodation and great spectating opportunities for the Tour De France 2019. The names of the winners will be announced on the Bangkok Bank CycleFest website (http://www.BangkokBankCycleFest.com) and Facebook on 3 December 2018.
The Bangkok Bank CycleFest is being organized by IMG, an Edeavor company and global leader in professionally organized mass participation events. The event is sponsored by Bangkok Bank with premium partners Daikin, GS Battery, gold sponsors Aero Media, Garmin.