Stepping up a gear from its previous editions, this year's OCBC Cycle will see 15 of the best local teams go head to head at the Singapore Sports Hub on Aug 29.

The OCBC Cycle Speedway Club Championships boast a unique format which will see a total of four riders from each team race a total of 10 laps around a designated flat 1km track.

One pair of riders will cycle five laps before passing on a baton to the next duo for the next five laps to finish the race.

Leong Sai Keong, team manager of Joyriders Racing Team, the racing arm of one of the country's most popular recreational cycling communities, supports the move.

"The championships provide a platform for the clubs to compete at the club level which is lacking in the cycling racing scene in Singapore," he noted.

The first-, second- and third-placed teams will win $800, $600 and $400 respectively.

Top names who are participating include Anza One's 2013 Tour de Bintan winner Pierre-Alain Scherwey of Switzerland and Singapore-based professional triathlete Kathryn Haesner of Arrivo Primo Singapura (Ladies).

The race is specially configured to offer various vantage points to keep spectators and supporters in the loop with the racers zipping by.

Koh Ching Ching, head of group corporate communications, OCBC Bank, said: "One of the objectives of the new OCBC Cycle is to increase the engagement with the local cycling community.

"The sheer thrill and excitement of the 15 teams competing in a relay, where strong sprint competency and flawless teamwork are key ingredients for victory, will be much anticipated."