Yeo Boon Kiak is a podiatrist by day and a cyclist at night. He has been riding and racing for more than 15 years. At the SEA Games, he represented Singapore three times, winning a bronze medal in the Men’s Criterium in 2021.
The National Champion for the Road and Individual Time Trial tells us about his training regime, his favourite cycling route, and what he’s most looking forward to at the Singapore Criterium this year.
What made you fall in love with cycling?
Since I was a child, I have ridden bicycles for fun. The freedom and independence, as well as the rush of speeding down the road, got me hooked. It’s fun to be the engine—the harder I push, the faster I go. Even now, the bicycle remains my freedom machine.
What can you tell us about Singapore’s cycling culture?
We have a vibrant cycling culture where riders of all levels and types of bikes are united by their love of the sport. On weekend mornings, you’ll see cyclists filling the
streets early. As a social activity, cycling boosts our health and endorphins, and reduces pollution.
What is your training routine?
The training routine I follow is a juggling act, especially since I am a podiatrist, run a private practice, and have two young children. At least three to four times a week,
I ride and train before my family wakes up and work begins.
Every Sunday, I ride with other top riders, pushing each other to the limit and honing our tactical and physical skills. Afterwards, we enjoy breakfast together.
Which is your favourite cycling route in Singapore and why?
Kranji and its loops. It is the last farmland area with little traffic. I can ride without stopping and enjoy the lush green surroundings. The rolling hills also make the terrain challenging and ideal for training.
How did you form your team for the Singapore Criterium?
Singapore’s top riders make up our national training squad. In the Singapore Criterium, the team is selected based on a combination of form, performance, and racing attributes that reflect the explosive and intense nature of the sport.
How do you fit into the peloton (the main group of riders during the race)?
It depends on the race and how we can best utilise each other’s strengths. When the race suits a certain rider, that rider becomes the “protected” rider, and we all work together
to give him the best chance at winning. Usually, riders agree on this before a race.
What lessons did you learn from Singapore Criterium 2023?
I had a blast! Getting to race alongside the elite of the professional cycling world is not something you get to do every day. It was a fierce, fast-paced, and gruelling competition. By attacking early and taking risks, we tried to gain an advantage. That’s often our best strategy as a smaller team competing against the world’s best sprinters and riders—and we’re likely to do the same this year as well!
When it comes to this year’s race, what excites you most?
Aside from the obvious draw of seeing the royalty of cycling on our streets, it also brings the cycling community together. Watching everyone soak in the spectacle with positivity and joy is incredibly uplifting. Cycling and other sports are ultimately about bringing people together and inspiring them to reach their full potential. I’m excited to experience that energy all over again.
Do you have any advice for young cyclists?
Riding must be a passion for you. Passion will carry you through tough times and sacrifices needed to achieve personal success. Never be afraid to push your limits—fear of failure is the only thing that will keep you from reaching your full potential.
At the end of the day, what do you hope to have accomplished through cycling?
As I journey towards my goal, I hope to have given it my all, pushed mental and physical boundaries I never imagined achievable, and shared it with others. Cycling is a way to bring joy and inspiration to everyone around me, and I hope to do my part, on and off the bike.
