Tour winner to race in S'pore Criterium

Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard will become the first Tour de France winner to compete in the Republic after the reigning champion's entry for the inaugural TDF Prudential Singapore Criterium was announced yesterday.

The 25-year-old, racing for Jumbo-Visma, won the Tour de France, widely regarded as cycling's toughest test and most prestigious event, on his second attempt last month.

He is the latest pro to confirm his attendance for the Oct 29-30 event after 2016 Olympic silver medallist Mark Cavendish. The criterium - which has a specified number of laps or a fixed period - is set to feature 32 elite racers.

Local cyclists have not been left out, with the organisers announcing that Team Singapore Cycling Federation (SCF) will compete in the pro race while amateur races will also be held.

National cyclist Yeo Boon Kiak, who recently won a men's criterium bronze at the Hanoi SEA Games, will be part of the SCF team and is relishing the opportunity to compete against the world's best.

He said: "The Tour de France is the pinnacle of our sport and being part of this incredible event promises to be an amazing experience which I will never forget.

"We've cycled through the city countless times, but this will probably be our most challenging and exciting ride yet.

"We're looking forward to seeing how our race strategy and familiarity with the street circuit measures up against the skills of the best cyclists in the world - we're sure it will be an amazing experience."

At the launch of the event at the Mandarin Oriental Singapore, Yeo added that the presence of world-class cyclists will also inspire kids who will be watching their heroes race in their backyard.

The amateur races are the men's open, men's masters criterium as well as the Brompton World Championships (BWC), which will have events for men, women and veterans. BWC will also hold a community ride for 400 cyclists. All will take place on a specially designed street circuit around Marina Bay.

To help the cyclists prepare for the criterium races and help the community become better cyclists, a series of complimentary cycling clinics conducted by SCF athletes and coaches will be held for Prudential Seeker's Society members.

SCF president Hing Siong Chen said: "An event like this not only gives those in Singapore the chance to watch a thrilling professional criterium race up close, but also presents many opportunities for greater engagement and awareness."

Visit www.singaporecriterium. com for more details and updates. Register your interest on the Ticketek Singapore website.