Organisers focused on increasing accessibility at fourth Tour de France Singapore Criterium
The 2025 edition will also have stronger emphasis on inclusivity and engagement.
SINGAPORE – The Tour de France Singapore Criterium's fourth edition on Nov 1 and 2 will see the introduction of new mass-participation events and free public access for spectators in selected areas to encourage greater community involvement.
While elite international cyclists will once again headline the professional criterium, the 2025 edition will also have stronger emphasis on inclusivity and engagement, organisers announced at a media conference at the Mandarin Oriental on Aug 12.
A key new addition is A l'Attaque, a ride series that allows amateur cyclists to experience the same closed-road circuit used by the professionals.
The series will feature a team time trial for pairs and solo ride categories for masters (men aged 35 and above) and women (aged 18 and above), as well as a race for foldable bike riders.
While the route details have yet to be finalised, it will once again pass through some of Singapore's most iconic landmarks, including the Padang, Anderson Bridge and the Esplanade.
Public access to the race precinct and viewing zones at the Padang will be free for all spectators, while those seeking a premium experience can opt for grandstand seating or hospitality packages at the Singapore Recreation Club.`
'With free public access, new ride categories, and a refreshed festival experience at the Padang, our ambition is to make this more than a race,' said Agnes Goh, managing director of Evoke Exp, a co-organiser of the event.
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'We want to turn it into an annual celebration of cycling for everyone, from lifelong fans to first-time visitors.'
About 1,000 participants are expected for the rides, with approximately 30,000 spectators anticipated across the two-day event.
In the lead-up to the event, the organisers will roll out community-focused initiatives in collaboration with local bicycle-sharing company Anywheel.
A virtual Explore Routes challenge will take place throughout October on the Anywheel app, rewarding participants who complete the pro criterium route.
On Nov 2, the Anywheel Community Cycle will give people the chance to ride the race route on Anywheel bikes for free.
National cyclist Willy Mun, who raced in the 2023 edition, welcomed the move towards greater inclusivity, saying that engaging the community is crucial to the sport's development in Singapore.
National road cyclist Willy Mun at a media conference for the Nov 1-2 Tour de France Singapore Criterium.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
The 31-year-old said: 'Community is very important to me, even as an elite cyclist. Unlike swimming, running or football, cycling still has a lot of room to grow here. This is a positive step.'
Mun, a programme manager at Global Finance and Technology Network, also highlighted this as an important platform to educate the public on cycling.
He added that a strong community is essential for nurturing young talent, saying: 'You need a wide base to find the next generation of athletes.
'If the community is small, there's only so much you can do in terms of talent so I feel this event is great for helping our youth dream.'
Among those hoping to take part in this year's event is Ramadhan Rajab.
Ramadhan is a self-employed cyclist who started taking the sport more seriously during the Covid-19 pandemic and attended the 2023 edition as a spectator.
'It's an amazing idea to have more categories that are open to everyday cyclists, not just serious racers,' said the 28-year-old, who has gained a following on social media for documenting his 'bikepacking' adventures to different countries.
'It makes the event more accessible, and it's a great opportunity for people to learn about the sport.'
Among those hoping to take part in this year's event is Ramadhan Rajab, a self-employed cyclist who started taking the sport more seriously during the Covid-19 pandemic.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
Organisers also confirmed on Aug 12 that Belgian sprinter Jasper Philipsen will be returning for the event, in which he will be hoping to reclaim the title he last won in 2023.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a strong start at the Tour de France in July, claiming victory in the opening stage to take the yellow jersey.
But Philipsen suffered a premature end following a crash in Stage 3 that left the 10-time Tour stage winner with fractured ribs and collarbone.
This year's Singapore Criterium will also mark the first time the event will without Prudential as title sponsor.
Belgian sprinter Jasper Philipsen (on screen) will be returning for the event, where he will be hoping to reclaim the title he last won in 2023.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
Addressing this, Goh said: 'Our partnership with Prudential was fruitful and rewarding and we learnt a lot through our collaborative efforts to bring the spirit and magic of Tour de France into the Singapore Criterium.
'As the Criterium enters its fourth year, we are just as excited to explore opportunities that come with new partnerships while retaining the same enthusiasm we had during the first Singapore Criterium in 2022.'
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