Come 1 and 2 November, the Tour de France (TDF) EFGH Singapore Criterium 2025 will bring high-speed action to the heart of Marina Bay. The race is poised to establish Singapore as a key player on the global sports arena.
Leading the 2025 race is Jasper Philipsen, the Belgian sprinter who first won the title in 2023. He arrives in strong form, having worn the yellow jersey after the opening stage of this year’s TDF. Philipsen will be looking to reclaim the crown he lost last year to Mark Cavendish, who has retired.
But this year’s edition is about more than just elite competition. New to the line-up is a mass participation event, À l’Attaque, where local cyclists get to ride a closed circuit in the city centre—on the same streets used by the pros.
Yannick Talabardon, Race Director of TDF EFGH Singapore Criterium, tells us what to expect from the race, this year and beyond.
How has the TDF EFGH Singapore Criterium evolved since its first edition?
The TDF EFGH Singapore Criterium has quickly become a true end-of-season highlight for cycling fans across Asia. It offers a rare chance to get up-close to TDF stars, in an atmosphere that blends world-class racing with a festive, city-centre showcase. In just a few years, it has firmly established itself as a must-attend event on the regional sporting calendar.
What makes the Singapore edition unique compared to other Tour de France Criteriums globally?
The Singapore Criterium is all about sprinters. That’s its DNA. We consistently bring together some of the purest sprinters who’ve made their mark on the tour, and the circuit is purpose-built to highlight their explosive speed. Fans get to witness some of the fastest finishes in cycling, right in the heart of a city unlike any other.
What long-term role do you see this event playing in the cycling calendar, especially in Asia?
It’s one of very few events in Southeast Asia where fans can see multiple TDF champions competing at high intensity. By inviting local teams to race alongside these legends, it also plays a key role in lifting the level of cycling in the region. Over time, we see this event serving as a powerful bridge, connecting the tour with Asian fans and helping to inspire the next generation of riders.
What does it mean to bring Tour de France–branded events to Southeast Asia?
It means sharing the magic of the tour far beyond Europe. TDF is one of the world’s most iconic sporting brands, and bringing it to Southeast Asia allows us to connect with new audiences, celebrate the universal appeal of cycling, and create memorable experiences in a region where the sport’s popularity continues to grow. For local riders like the Singapore National Team, it’s also a unique chance to perform on home soil.
Can you walk us through this year’s route design?
This year’s route will closely follow last year’s. It’s designed to make the most of Singapore’s Marina Bay, a spectacular setting for cycling. One of the standout moments is the sprint finish through the tree-lined Esplanade Park, which offers a perfect blend of racing excitement and city scenery.
How do you create a route that’s both competitive for professionals and visually engaging for spectators?
For us, the two go hand in hand. That’s the essence of Tour de France: combining elite sport with extraordinary backdrops. The route must challenge the riders while also offering something visually powerful for fans on-site and watching around the world.
What challenges come with staging a high-level criterium in a city like Singapore?
For one, most of the riders travel long distances to participate. Then there’s the unpredictability of the weather, which adds intensity and drama to the racing. These factors make the event both physically demanding for the athletes and thrilling for the audience.
This year sees the launch of À l’Attaque. What inspired the element of mass participation?
Public engagement is essential. We don’t just want people to watch cycling, we want them to feel part of it. À l’Attaque is all about encouraging more people to get on their bikes, to experience the thrill of riding in a professional setting, and to feel personally connected to the event.
What are your ambitions for the event over the next five years?
Our goal is to firmly establish the Singapore Criterium as the go-to sprinters’ showcase in Southeast Asia. We want it to become a permanent, much-anticipated fixture on the global cycling calendar, for both fans and riders.
any new features, race formats, or partnerships you’re exploring for future editions?
We always have ideas in the works to evolve and elevate the event—but for now, we’ll keep a few surprises up our sleeves.
Which cyclist are you most rooting for and why?
That’s a tough one, because the real magic of the Criterium is seeing so many champions come together in one place. Each rider brings their own TDF story, and what excites me most is seeing them bring that legacy to life in front of Singaporean fans.
Find out more here.
