Cycling legend Mark Cavendish looking for victory in 2024 Tour de France Singapore Criterium

SINGAPORE – Even as he embarks on the final leg of his glittering career, cycling legend Mark Cavendish will not be taking it easy when he competes in the third edition of the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium in November.

The Briton, fresh from collecting a 35th Tour de France stage win to surpass Eddy Merckx’s record in July, is looking to go out on a high in his third visit to Singapore, after he was named on Aug 14 on the star-studded roster for the race.

The 39-year-old, who finished second in 2023, said: “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.”

The Singapore Criterium from Nov 9 to 10 will feature a shorter 2.3km route – compared to the 3km route in 2023 – starting from Connaught Drive before looping around Esplanade Drive, going past landmarks such as the Cenotaph, Esplanade Park, Padang and Merlion.

Jasper Philipsen will be back to defend his title, along with four-time Tour winner Chris Froome and the 2024 Tour green jersey (typically worn by the best sprinter) winner Biniam Girmay of Eritrea, the first black African cyclist to win a Tour stage before going on to win two more.

Said Belgian Philipsen: “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.”

More riders are expected to join the elite race, where the cyclists will complete multiple laps, with the first across the line after 90 minutes declared the winner.

The shorter route will give fans a better viewing experience as the riders will be completing more laps over the race duration.

“This year the route is around 2.3km, so based on 90 minutes, depending on speed, we should be looking at 25 to 26 laps,” said Agnes Goh, managing director of race organisers Evoke Exp.

On Cavendish’s participation, she added: “He is the record holder, so it’s a very big thing that Mark Cavendish is here.

“This one is special, he’s going to retire from the Tour de France. But, of course, he still loves riding so much and he will be coming here after his 35th stage (win).”

The criterium is in its final edition of a three-year deal and Goh said they are keen to extend their partnership with the Tour de France. She added: “We will announce it in due course. Of course, the Singapore Government has very strongly supported us, and we are here to stay. We hope to be here for the next 20-30 years or so.”

In the 2023 edition, Tadej Pogacar, who won the yellow jersey for his third overall Tour title in July, led the race in the final 2km, before he was caught by the peloton, leading to a frenetic finish.

Cavendish was heading for the win before Philipsen came in with an “almighty sprint” to beat him.

Cycling fan Rossdi Nasir was at the launch of the event with his son Ilyasaq, and is looking forward to catching Cavendish in action.

The 44-year-old said: “I’m really keen to see Mark Cavendish (as) he is a big name. Everybody knows that he’s a legend in cycling, so everybody wants to see him.

“We saw how Jasper pretty much stole the win at the very last minute, so you can see there’s a lot of competitiveness and Mark definitely doesn’t want to lose again this year.”