By Chia Han Keong

TOUR of Singapore, anyone?

Such is the growing popularity of cycling here that one may very well see a round-island race - held in "Tour" style over a few stages - in the future.

That is the opinion of Mr Alan Rushton, technical adviser to Spectrum Worldwide, the event organiser of Singapore's only mass-cycling event, the OCBC Cycle Singapore.

The Briton has helped plan many racing routes for cycling and endurance running around the world, and sees a lot of potential in growing the sport here.

He told my paper during a visit last week to plan the next Cycle Singapore event: "Singapore isn't too small for such Tours. I've planned five-day races up in Langkawi, which is smaller than Singapore, so it's possible.

"But we would need a lot of help from police for the staggered road closures. And, of course, plenty of public support will also be helpful."

For now, though, Mr Rushton is busy planning the logistics behind the Cycle Singapore event, which will be held over the March 6-7 weekend next year.

This year's inaugural event drew over 5,000 cyclists and 2,000 have already signed up for next year's fiesta after a roadshow at Raffles Place last week.

Not only does Mr Rushton have to work with the Traffic Police on road closures to keep the roads free for the cyclists, but he also has to schedule the starting time for each race category, so as to prevent confusing clashes at the start/finish point, which is at the Formula One pit building in Marina Bay.

He said: "We could start earlier than daybreak, which is about 6.30am. Or we can hold it over several days, which is what we decided upon.

"Cycling's a massive sport - people do it as a sport, as recreation, and it's also a mode of transportation. Cycle Singapore is a great festival to enjoy the sport, and I'm sure it can grow into a major event here."

For more my paper stories click here.