Bangkok--25 Nov--Vivaldi Integrated Public Relations
Over 3,000 Thai and international cyclists joined the third edition of Bangkok Bank CycleFest on November 23-24 at Siam Country Club, Pattaya. This year's event was honored by famous Thai actors and actresses – Yossavadee 'Yo' Hassadeevichit, Aroonnapa 'VarnVarn' Panichjaroon, Surampha 'Golf' Yokchotisakul, Wanitcha 'Mint' Kanjanaapirak, and former two-time Giro d'Italia winner Ivan Basso as brand ambassadors of Bangkok Bank CycleFest.
Bangkok Bank Director and Executive Vice President Thaweelap Rittapirom said Bangkok Bank CycleFest 2019 is held under a "Ride for All" concept to promote healthy lifestyle activities that align with innovative products and services that take care of our customers' financial health. The cycling and lifestyle event has been created to support and encourage avid cyclists and families seeking healthier and better lives.
"Cycling is fast becoming one of the favorite sports in Thailand. With entry classes for all ability levels, including individual and team time trials as well as fun rides, the event has enabled customers and the public to create memorable experiences on closed cycling roads along a beautiful scenic view around Siam Country Club. With our commitment to being "Your Trusted Partner" for customers and the society at large, we are delighted to hold yet another successful Bangkok Bank CycleFest this year to connect and bring us closer to more than 3,000 Thai and international cyclists," said Thaweelap.
The event was not only about fun or promoting an active lifestyle, but also about giving back to society. Together with members of the public, Bangkok Bank CycleFest 2019 raised funds for its official charity partner Siriraj Foundation, which assists with the treatment and care of underprivileged patients at Siriraj Hospital. Every baht raised from entry fees for the Family Ride category will be donated to the Siriraj Foundation. Individual riders were also given the opportunity to offer a contribution of their own, raising a total of 480,000 baht towards this noble cause.
The event, which has been held for three consecutive years, features seven different ride options ranging from 12km to 62km circuits, offering a unique riding experience for cyclists of all ages, abilities and experience levels. Races include timed rides for individuals who wish to be initiated into an elite riders category; a challenging off-road ride, which was added last year as the ideal choice for those who love adventure riding; team time trials in which teams of cyclists raced against the clock; and a non-competitive "family ride" for those who wanted to join a premier cycling event without the stress of competition.
In between race events, participants enjoyed quality time with family and friends with a welcome chance to rest and recharge at the Festival Village. A number of recreational activities and outlets were available for cyclists and spectators to enjoy, including bicycle equipment shops, food and drink stalls, music stages, a free BMX Pump Track zone, gift giveaways and fun interactive games.
Ivan Basso said "I'm happy to join and support this super cycling festival event here in Thailand. The spirit of camaraderie is reflected beautifully in the slogan of the Bangkok Bank CycleFest 2019 - "Ride for All". This event encourages cyclists of all levels to enter the tournament to compete and also to join in activities that are non-competitive. I strongly believe cycling is a sport that truly promotes equality. Whether you are young or old, rich or poor, and no matter what your nationality is, when you're cycling, everyone is a friend as you're all travelling along the same route, making it easy to talk to others freely, it's a sport that really brings people together."
Yossawadee 'Yo' Hassadeevichit said, "The ride at Bangkok Bank CycleFest was a slightly challenging one, but still very manageable. I really enjoyed the course – it was never flat, always up and down, and it was good to get out there for a spirited challenge both mentally and physically."
Surampha 'Golf' Yokchotisakul added, "Last year was my first time competing in the time trial category which was really fun and a challenge for myself and my team to get to the finish line. We prepared and trained hard for many months to get ready before the event. This event is more than just about cycling; the important thing with this race was the teamwork and friendship among our team as we worked to break through all the obstacles together for the best possible chance of victory during this thrilling race."
This year the Bangkok Bank CycleFest 2019 has proven to be a true reflection of the spirit of "Ride for All" with Thai Paralympic athletes joining the competition for the first time. One of the athletes who participated in this year's competition was Phuyin Khamnuan, the 44-year-old national Thai Paralympic athlete who won gold at the SMACK Swedish Paracycling Cup 2018, he said, "We are grateful to the organizers for giving us the opportunity to compete in this race. Bangkok Bank CycleFest is one of the few bike races that can see the importance of Paralympic athletes and this made us feel honored and welcomed and we would all like to thank everyone involved once again for this great opportunity to compete in this competition."
For the preparation of the 2020 ASEAN Para Games in the Philippines, which take place at the beginning of next year, Phuyin said, "This year we only competed in one category, and we've trained hard for one full year for an event we have previously been champions of. We are confident that our efforts and commitment will see our athletes get on the podium to receive a prize. For the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, the Thai national team is currently ranked number one in the world and we will do our best to maintain that ranking."
Ms. Winnie Heng, Vice President and Managing Director, IMG Services (Thailand) Limited, as a promoter said, "We would like to thank Bangkok Bank and all of our partners who supported us in bringing Bangkok Bank CycleFest to life for all our cyclists in 2019. Offering the perfect combination of competition, inclusivity, fun and entertainment, this event brings together thousands of cyclists of all ages and abilities to celebrate their passion for the sport and inspire a healthy lifestyle."
Bangkok Bank CycleFest is proudly sponsored by Bangkok Bank along with premium partners Siam Daikin Sales and Aero Media Group, as well as support from Ete Ice cream, Jetts 24 Hour Fitness, Sprinkle, Three Sixty Five, Under Armour, U Time, Bangkok Insurance, Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya, Bike and Body, JJ Pro Performance Centre, Shimano, Sport Bicycle and World Bike.