 defending champion Jasper Philipsen knows he has his work cut out for him as he looks to clinch his second title in Singapore on Sunday (10 Nov).){kind=link}
SINGAPORE, 9 NOVEMBER 2024 – Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium (TDF SG) defending champion Jasper Philipsen knows he has his work cut out for him as he looks to clinch his second title in Singapore on Sunday (10 Nov).
An exciting fight to the finish is expected at the third Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium (TDF SG) with Philipsen and his fellow competitors anticipating stiff competition in the 25-lap race at the Esplanade Park.
The star-studded line-up includes Tour de France stage win record holder and renowned sprinter Mark Cavendish, seven-time Grand Tour winner Chris Froome and rising star Biniam Girmay, who earlier this year became the first black African to win a Tour de France stage.
At a pre-race press conference on 9 Nov, Philipsen said: “Of course you’re trying to do as good as last year. That’s always difficult to repeat. There will be some tough competition tomorrow. To start a race, you always need a strategy but (you must see) how the race unfolds. You have to adapt and keep going. You know your own strengths. For me, my best shot for a win is in the sprint, so we try to hold the race in a sprint.”
Fresh from winning the Tour de France Saitama Criterium last week, Girmay will be hoping to continue his fine form and end his season on a high after he won three stages and the green jersey at the 2024 Tour de France.
He said: “The Tour de France was amazing, I didn’t expect to perform like that. So far in my career, this year has been the best season for me. Everyone knows to win one stage in the Tour de France is so hard, but two and three stages in one year – it’s something I’ve never dreamed of so I’m just super happy and proud of what I did. Tomorrow is going to be hard because… it’s never easy to compete with the big guys, but I’m really motivated and looking forward to it.”
Four-time Vuelta a Espana winner Primoz Roglic added: “We’ll definitely try to avoid sprinting with the fast guys and we need to search for our own opportunities. I’m not alone in this, we’ll have some companions thinking the same and we’ll see what kind of surprise we can prepare.”
The pro races tomorrow kick off with the team time trial before the criterium flags off on the 2.3km circuit that will take the cyclists past iconic sites in the city such as the Singapore River and the Esplanade.
A brief morning shower did little to dampen the spirits of eventgoers at the TDF SG as the skies cleared just in time for the Anywheel Family Ride and Kid’s Rides. Cavendish himself enjoyed watching the young cyclists in action and added that he hopes it stays dry for his race tomorrow.
He said: “It’s good to see the kids riding here with smiles on their faces. That’s the main thing, that’s what you get from the bike. I’m glad it stayed dry for them. One thing I’ve learnt in Singapore is to never, ever look at the weather app when you’re here. It means nothing. I’m glad it’s dry and hopefully it’s dry tomorrow because it will affect and we want it to be pleasant for the spectators, so fingers crossed.”
Participants and spectators also enjoyed themselves at the inaugural TDF SG Family Day carnival that had a wide array of activities and food options for all. Various sponsor booths were bustling at the Esplanade Park with established bike brands and cycling apparel stores such as Santini, Wilier, Spin Axis and BYX offering a wide array of cycling-related products.
Fans were also treated to a sweet surprise when several cyclists, including Cavendish, Froome, Girmay and Singapore’s own Yeo Boon Kiak, made a special appearance tasting traditional ice cream flavours such as red bean and durian. The cyclists then handed out the dessert to waiting fans before the Teams’ Presentation took place later onsite.
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