Thousands of cycling fans gathered at Esplanade Park on Sunday (Nov 10) to witness one of the most prestigious cycling events, the Tour de France Criterium. Similar to last year, the third edition of the Criterium series held in the Lion City featured pro riders from the Tour de France, including Mark Cavendish, Jasper Philipsen, Chris Froome, and Biniam Girmay. Adding to the excitement, Polygon riders from the pro-Asia team, Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG), clinched the title of Best Asia Team and secured gold in the Pro Team Time Trial (TTT) competition. Meanwhile, the Nusantara Cycling Team earned silver in the TTT.
Southeast Asia Teams to Race
All eyes were on the main stage on Saturday (Nov 9) as the professional teams competing in the next day’s Criterium were introduced to the audience. Pro teams from Southeast Asia, including Nusantara Cycling Team (Indonesia), Terengganu Cycling Team (Malaysia), Team Singapore, and Thailand Continental Team (Thailand), proudly took the stage, receiving warm applause from the crowd.
As one of Southeast Asia’s favorites and still holding the title of Asia’s No. 1 Team in 2024, TSG’s Aiman Cahyadi shared his thoughts when asked about the pressure: “We just enjoy the race this weekend, and we hope we can give our best,” he said.
Representing Team Singapore, Polygon rider Arfan Faisal echoed similar sentiments: “I’m really proud, as is everyone else, to have the opportunity to race against the big names and show what we’re made of. I think we’re made of grit, hard work, and perseverance. Tomorrow, we’ll give it our all and see how far we can push ourselves,” he said.
Dominating the Pro Team Time Trial
Before the Criterium began on Sunday, athletes were tested in the Pro Team Time Trial, where they raced against the clock. TSG delivered an outstanding performance, finishing fastest. Nusantara Cycling Team followed closely in second place, with a mere two-second difference. TSG celebrated this victory by sharing a highlight reel on Instagram.
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The Criterium Race: Speed and Strategy
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A criterium is a road cycling race held on multiple laps. This year, the TDF Criterium Singapore route stretched approximately 2.3 km. Over 90 minutes, riders raced through 25 laps, starting and ending at Connaught Drive alongside Esplanade Park and crossing the Singapore River.
Team Singapore showed incredible fighting spirit, proving themselves as formidable hosts. In several laps, Road National Champion Boon Kiak Yeo pushed himself into the breakaway, leading the peloton alongside Aiman Cahyadi and Biniam Girmay.
As the peloton neared the finish line in the final lap, tension rose, and sprinters fiercely competed for the top spot. Mark Cavendish, known as the “Manx Missile,” secured first place, marking a historic moment as he concluded his illustrious career with 35 Tour de France stage wins.
“As an Indonesian, I am proud to use Polygon. I think we should all be proud of this brand, as it represents Southeast Asia. It’s incredible to be in the peloton with the pros,” said Aiman Cahyadi in an interview. The Indonesian National ITT Champion also expressed his joy at sharing the track with elite Tour de France teams.
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In addition to the professional competitions, another Polygon rider excelled in the PRURide Seeker’s Mixed Open Criterium. Singapore’s National Athlete, Riyadh Hakim, secured third place and brought home a trophy. The 26-year-old rider raced on a Polygon Helios A8X.
The smiles and joy shared by Polygon riders alongside the pros made for an unforgettable day. Thank you to all the riders who gave their best!
Check out our race recap here.
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