[L-R] Prudential Chief Customer Officer – Goh Theng Kiat, Singapore Tourism Board Executive Director, Sports &  Wellness – Ong Ling Lee, Evoke Exp Director – Agnes Goh, Anywheel Founder – Htay Aung

The third edition of the Tour de France Prudential Singapore  Criterium will welcome several star cyclists with defending champion Jasper Philipsen,  legendary sprinter Mark Cavendish, four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome and  young star Biniam Girmay confirmed for the Nov 9-10 event. These riders and their fellow  competitors will take on a fresh challenge this year on a brand-new route starting at  Connaught Drive that is sure to test their speed, skill and strategy.  

These updates were announced during a press event at title sponsor and official wellness  partner Prudential Singapore’s office on Wednesday (14 Aug). Tickets are now on sale from  $8 on Trip.com for what is set to be a thrilling race whose line-up includes four of cycling’s  best sprinters.  

Reigning Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium champion Philipsen returns with  three Tour de France stage wins under his belt as the 26-year-old Belgian bids to retain his  crown in Singapore. Decorated British cyclist Cavendish has a long list of career accolades  including holding the record for the most Tour de France stage wins (35) while Eritrean cyclist  Girmay will arrive in Singapore on the back of a breakthrough Tour de France campaign in  which he clinched three stage wins. The 24-year-old, who became the first Black African to win a Tour de France stage, was also the winner of this year’s Green Jersey awarded to the  best sprinter – an honour held by Philipsen himself after last year’s Tour.  

In addition to the enthralling action on the circuit, spectators can also enjoy a lively and  engaging programme off the race track, with the inauguration of the TDF SG Family Day.  Making the sport more accessible to the community, both through watching and  participating, is one of event organiser Evoke EXP’s key priorities. This year’s event will offer  more access to spectators who want to watch the best cyclists in the world up close, while  enjoying the fringe activities available right within the race precinct. Race access and more  are available from just $8, and dedicated cycling fans who want closer and more premium  views of the race action can opt for premium or VIP viewing tickets. 

Ticket categories and entitlements are as follows. 

Defending champion Jasper Philipsen said: “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. 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.” 

Mark Cavendish added: “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. This season has been pretty eventful, but I’ve had some time to rest and recharge and  I’m ready to get back to racing. 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. I’ll be working towards that and look forward to seeing you all again.” 

The Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium, supported by the Singapore Tourism  Board and leading life insurer Prudential Singapore, is in its third edition of the race and will  see elite cyclists racing in a circuit right in the heart of Singapore. Similar to previous years,  Prudential Singapore will be organising classes through the PRURide Seeker’s Society* this  year. PRURide Seeker’s Society members will also 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 in November.  

The Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium also welcomes a new partner, homegrown  bicycle-sharing firm Anywheel. As part of Evoke Exp’s commitment to encourage more  families to get together through sport, Anywheel will be providing bicycles for free to  participants of the Family Ride and Breakfast Ride so that more participants get the chance  to enjoy a cycle around the race circuit without the hassle of needing to bring their own bike. 

Ms. Agnes Goh, Managing Director, Evoke Exp, said: “We are pleased to welcome our  defending champion Jasper Philipsen, fan favourites Mark Cavendish and Chris Froome, and  rising star, Biniam Girmay back to the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium. The  line-up of riders is looking impressive so far and we’re looking forward to a spectacular race  on a new route that will take the cyclists past some of the city’s most iconic sights. Our very  first TDF SG Family Day will also be an exciting new addition to this year’s event with games,  entertainment and culinary discoveries available. We look forward to welcoming all to a  memorable weekend on 9 and 10 November.” 

Tour de France Director Christian Prudhomme said: “Singapore is a highly international,  dynamic and modern city. The Tour de France is inseparable from the cities and landscapes it  visits, and Singapore offers a stunning representation of the Tour de France. Those who have  excelled on the roads of the Tour de France will be in Singapore to connect with the Asian  public and perhaps inspire some of them to take up cycling by watching the greatest riders in  the international peloton. The Tour de France is meant to resonate with all cycling  enthusiasts, wherever they may come from, and to show them that they should believe in  achieving their dreams, just like Biniam Girmay — the first black African to win stages in the  Tour de France and the green jersey in the points classification.”

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. It offers a fresh perspective of  Singapore as all riders will race past our iconic landmarks such as the Padang, Victoria Concert  Hall, and Anderson Bridge. We look forward to all riders and visiting fans enjoying Singapore’s  vibrant offerings beyond the event.”