Cycling fever grips the Lion City as Tour de France (TDF) Prudential Singapore Criterium returns for its third edition between 9 and 10 November. If you’ve been following the thrilling Tour de France: Unchained Netflix series, here’s your chance to see cycling greats up close.
There is no shortage of star power at this year’s Singapore Criterium. Among them are defending champion Jasper Philipsen, legendary sprinter Mark Cavendish, four-time TDF champion Chris Froome, and up-and-comer Biniam Girmay. A brand-new route along Connaught Drive and Esplanade Drive will challenge their speed, skill, and strategy. Philipsen returns with three TDF stage wins under his belt. Of course, fans will be cheering on the 26-year-old Belgian as he attempts to retain his crown in Singapore.
“Singapore is a wonderful city and I have great memories of winning here last year. It’s been a tiring but fun season so far, and Singapore is always a stop I look forward to,” Philipsen tells me. “I’m excited to tackle a new route as well, and it’ll be interesting to see how the other guys adapt to it. Hopefully I can cross the finish line first once again. I can’t wait to see you all in November.”
Giving Philipsen a run for his money, is legendary British cyclist Cavendish who holds the record for the most TDF stage wins. Cavendish, who finished in second place in 2023, says, “I’m very excited to race in the TDF Prudential Singapore Criterium again. I’ve been here the last two years and it’s been a sublime experience each time… We’re getting a new route, which means a different challenge, but this is what makes criterium racing so much fun for riders and thrilling for spectators.
“Singapore is always a stop I look forward to. I’m excited to tackle a new route as well.”
Jasper Philipsen
Another name to watch is Eritrean cyclist Girmay, who arrives on the back of a breakthrough TDF campaign in which he clinched three stage wins. Only 24 years old, Girmay was the first black African to win a TDF stage. He also snagged this year’s Green Jersey, an honour held by Philipsen after last year’s race. It rewards the rider who leads the points classification each day.
Away from the circuit is a lively programme led by the inauguration of the TDF SG Family Day. Evoke EXP aims to make cycling more accessible to the community by allowing people to watch the world’s best cyclists up close while enjoying side activities within the race area.
Prudential Singapore will organise classes through the PRURide Seeker’s Society. Members can qualify for the PRURide Seeker’s Criterium, the only event open to non-professional cyclists during the race weekend.
The TDF Prudential Singapore Criterium also welcomes a new partner, homegrown bicycle-sharing firm Anywheel. To encourage more families to get together through sport, Anywheel will provide bicycles for free to participants of the Family Ride and Breakfast Ride. In this way, they can enjoy a ride around the race circuit without having to lug their bikes.
“Singapore is a highly international, dynamic, and modern city. The TDF is inseparable from the cities and landscapes it visits, and Singapore offers a stunning representation of the TDF,” says Christian Prudhomme, TDF Director. “Those who have excelled on the roads of TDF will be in Singapore to meet the Asian public and perhaps inspire some of them to take up cycling by watching the greatest riders.
“The TDF is intended to resonate with all cycling enthusiasts, no matter where they come from, and inspire them to believe in achieving their dreams.”
Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium 2023 In Numbers
- Broadcasted to 190 territories over 54 TV Broadcasters
- Attended by over 30,000 persons
- 43 pro riders participated in the Pro criterium
- 400+ participants in Amateur categories
