In a press conference ahead of the cyclists hitting the streets on 9-10 November, Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium announced the new route and riders set to feature
Whether you’re a fan of competitive cycling or not, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this year’s third annual Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium. Taking place on the 9th and 10th of November this year, the event is supported by the Singapore Tourism board and Prudential Singapore.
Today, leading title sponsor of the event, Prudential Singapore, held a press conference announcing the brand-new race route along Connaught Drive and Esplanade Drive and introduced its roster of star-studded participants.
The reigning champion of last year’s event, 26-year-old Belgian national Jasper Philipsen is set to defend his title, now with three Tour de France stage wins under his belt. Fighting in close contention to dethrone Philipsen, record-holding British cyclist Mark Cavendish with the greatest number of Tour de France stage wins, a staggering 35.
The duo is joined by four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froom and Biniam Girmay, a 24-year-old Eritrean cyclist currently experiencing a breakthrough Tour de France campaign in which he has clinched three stage wins thus far. Girmay’s successful run comes after his first win in which, he became the very first Black African to ever win a Tour de France stage.
Ms. Ong Ling Lee, Executive Director, Sports and Wellness, Singapore Tourism Board, said:
“We are excited to welcome back some of the world's top cyclists to Singapore for the Tour
de France Prudential Singapore Criterium. The new route, starting at Connaught Drive,
promises to bring a new experience not only to the elite riders but also the amateur riders
taking part in the various categories, spectators and fans."
Alongside the scintillating on-track race between the world’s best, there are a host of inclusive off-track activities planned for spectators with the launch of the inaugural TDF SG Family Day programme. With several ticket classifications, the lowest being just $8, event organiser Evoke EXP hopes that the sport is more easily accessible to the community, both through watching the race or participating. Local bicycle-sharing firm Anywheel, a new partner of the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium, will be providing bicycles that are free to use. Participants of the Family Ride and Breakfast Rise can enjoy a leisurely cycle around the race circuit without having to bring their own bike.
Additionally, akin to the races of previous years, members of PRURide Seeker’s Society stand the chance to qualify for a spot at the PRURide Seeker’s Criterium, the only event for non-professional cyclists to participate in during the race weekend.
Across both days, spectators stand to enjoy carnival games, making the event perfect for a family outing or a fun day out with friends. Although differing ticket prices translate to differing levels of access, all ticket holders will have access to watching the race on Sunday. While race access and the carnival games can be enjoyed from just $8, more dedicated cycling fans can purchase more premium tickets that would give them closer and better views of the action.
Defending champion Jasper Philipsen said in a video message: “Singapore is a wonderful city and I have great memories of winning here last year. Singapore is always a stop I look forward to. I am excited to tackle a new route."
Mark Cavendish also said: “I’m very excited to race in the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium again. I've been here the last two years and it's been a sublime experience each time.” He added,“ We're going to get a new route, which means it'll be a different challenge – that's what makes criterium racing so much fun for us riders, and exciting to watch for spectators. I came close to winning in Singapore last year and I'm definitely going for the win this time.”
Tickets can be snapped up here.