. The 39-year-old, representing Astana Qazaqstan, crossed the finish line first in 1hr 24min 45sec at the Esplanade Park ahead of 2023 champion Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Arnaud de Lie (Lotto Dstny).){kind=link}
SINGAPORE, 10 NOVEMBER 2024 – Sprint legend Mark Cavendish completed a dream swansong after winning the final race of his professional career at the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium on Sunday (10 November). The 39-year-old, representing Astana Qazaqstan, crossed the finish line first in 1hr 24min 45sec at the Esplanade Park ahead of 2023 champion Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Arnaud de Lie (Lotto Dstny).
Cavendish’s success in Singapore marks the end of a storied career spanning nearly two decades, during which he amassed a record 35 Tour de France stage wins, road and track cycling world championship medals, as well as a silver medal from the Rio Olympics in 2016. Ahead of the Pro Race, Cavendish was greeted by a guard of honour from his fellow competitors.
The third edition of the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium featured a brand new route, with cyclists having to complete 25 laps of the 2.3km circuit for a total distance of 57.5km. Thousands of onlookers gathered along various parts of the route to watch the 48 riders from 12 teams race on a sunny afternoon with clear skies. With slightly more than 5km to go, the leading pack comprised cycling great Vincenzo Nibali (TDF Legends), four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome and Aiman Cahyadi of the Terengganu Cycling Team. The latter two riders soon moved ahead, but the chasing pack closed the gap in the last 1.5 laps with Cavendish sprinting to seal his final victory.
The full race results will be available at https://singaporecriterium.com/race-results-2024.
The other Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium 2024 winners are as follows.
Points Classification – Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty)
Combativity Award – Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Dstny)
Best Young Rider – Arnaud De Lie (Lotto Dstny)
Team Classification – Astana Qazaqstan
Best Asian Team – Terengganu Cycling Team
Team Time Trial – Terengganu Cycling Team
An emotional Cavendish, who raised his arms in triumph as he crossed the finish line, said: “I realised in the last five laps that it was the last 15 kilometres of my career and I passed the Flamme Rouge for the last time in my career. I felt that, but I was so on the limit – the heat here is not nice for me. I haven’t raced since the Tour de France, so I’m missing that sharpness. When the guys are here with the lead-out teams, it’s always going to be difficult but you see the amazing job that my team, Astana Qazaqstan, did in leading me out and controlling the race … I had to go. I had to let Jasper and Biniam in in the final lap. Actually, I was nervous about crashing or something if I fight, not because of anything wrong but I really wanted to finish my last race. I was lucky I was able to get on the wheel and come past him for the final. I could feel De Lie coming, and when I passed Jasper I could feel him speed up but I really wanted that so bad.
“(The guard of honour) was incredible. Actually that was the first time I probably got emotional today and it was very, very nice and very unexpected. I was very touched by that. I’m so proud to win the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium as my last professional race. It’s a beautiful day and a beautiful way to say goodbye. I couldn’t have wished for a better send-off than here in Singapore. What an incredible crowd, what an incredible race, what an incredible group of athletes to finish my career with. To have my wife and friends here is brilliant. I’m so emotional, I’m so grateful and I hope everyone enjoyed that.”
The Singapore team of Yeo Boon Kiak, Arfan Faisal, Eamon Lim and Tong Khoon Fung put up a creditable performance, taking turns to remain in the breakaway group with Yeo being part of the leading pack for most of the race.
Yeo, who has now competed in all three editions of the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium, said: “I had an amazing time. The atmosphere was second to none and I’ll wake up tomorrow morning feeling as if it was a dream the day before, but I’m just soaking it all in and trying to enjoy the moment. As a small team, we wanted to animate the race and give the home crowd something to cheer for. We wanted to be on the front foot and be represented by a guy up the road. That meant we’re always on the front foot and we’re not chasing the race. We all gave our best and I’m pretty proud of how the team did. It means a lot for us to be here, not just for us but also fellow Singaporeans and cyclists. We want to show that we can be up there with the best and that’s why we want to go out there and be aggressive and show that we can take the fight to the better pros. As much as it’s a morale boost for us, it’s also something for other riders who didn’t take part and for spectators to dream about and be inspired by. If we have achieved that, I think it’s a pretty good afternoon for us.”
Ms. Agnes Goh, Managing Director of event organiser Evoke Exp, said: “It’s been a very exciting weekend here at the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium, with such a thrilling finish to the pro race. Congratulations to Mark Cavendish on winning his last professional race, and to the riders for an inspiring battle on this beautiful day. The crowd has played a big part in creating a wonderful, bustling atmosphere over the last two days and it was heartening to see the spectators come out in full force to watch the pro race today. Cycling is for everyone; it’s about family and community. This is why we introduced new elements in the TDF SG Family Day with carnival games and snacks. We also had the Kids Ride and Family Ride to encourage younger participants, so that they can be inspired to pick up cycling. The turnout has been good; it’s the best showcase of Singapore. We appreciate this support and we hope everyone enjoyed themselves at the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium 2024.”
Mr. Goh Theng Kiat, Chief Customer Officer of Prudential Singapore, said: “Congratulations to the winners and all the riders who joined us at the 2024 Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium. The camaraderie and enthusiasm displayed at this event reflect our progress in encouraging everyone to lead longer, healthier lives by staying active. As a leading life insurer, we are committed to continuing to bring such enriching experiences to Singapore, fostering a community with a deeper appreciation for good health and well-being.”
The amateur races also took place on Sunday ahead of the pro races at the Esplanade Park. ASC won the Regional Team Challenge ahead of Spin Axis X Greyhound and Team HoneyB-BikeBaju. More avid cyclists were able to experience competing on the same track as the pros in the PRURide Seeker’s Criterium novice races as spectators cheered them on from the trackside.
The Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium is supported by the Singapore Tourism Board and leading life insurer Prudential.
Credit:Tour de France Prudential Singapore