The annual OCBC National Championships – Individual Time Trial (ITT) cycling event scheduled for 25 June along the Tanah Merah Coast has been postponed, much to the chagrin of cyclists who had been gearing up for the event.
On 9 June, the Singapore Cycling Federation (SCF) put up a statement on its socials which were signed off why the Board, announcing that the ITT on 25 June has to be taken off the roster due to an oversight, after it was unable to get the necessary permits and approvals from the relevant government authorities.
“The failure is due to an oversight on the part of the SCF and immediate actions have been taken to address the issue so that it is not repeated for the Team Time Trials scheduled for 6 August 2023,” said the statement.
The statement added that the SCF was “now putting in the required documentations for the ITT to be held along the Tanah Merah Coastal Road on Sunday, 3 September.”
The SCF did not allow any comments on the post which was posted on its socials, probably acknowledging that there would have been a social media backlash.
Scheduled participants who spoke to TMSG said that the cycling fraternity was pissed off at the turn of events.
“There are not many road cycling events in Singapore which cyclists can look forward to, given that it is difficult to get organised and to have the necessary road closures in place,” said an athlete who spoke to TMSG on condition of anonymity.
“This is just unacceptable, given that athletes have to condition themselves ahead of the event.”
The SCF apologised for the inconvenience caused by the postponement in their statement.
MAIN PHOTO: SCF