This November, the city of Singapore buzzed with energy as it hosted the third annual Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium. The event was more than a thrilling road bike race — it became a historic farewell to one of cycling’s greatest sprinters, Mark Cavendish, who closed his legendary career after conquering 35 Tour de France stages.
“The farewell moment with Sir Mark was unforgettable, especially when everyone lifted their bikes while he passed through the peloton,” shared a thrilled Muhammad Herlangga, a rider from Indonesia’s Nusantara Cycling Team, who made his debut appearance at the Singapore Criterium.
Under the blazing tropical sun, riders battled through a 57.5 km course — 25 laps of 2.3 km each — that tested both stamina and speed. Stars like Biniam Girmay, who earned Green Jerseys in stages 3, 8, and 12 at this year’s Tour, and Jasper Philipsen, the stage 16 winner, joined the field. Before the main criterium, the riders kicked things off with a 2.3 km Pro Team Time Trial, adding another layer of excitement to the weekend.
Pushing the Limits in the Pro Team Time Trial
Southeast Asia’s top team, Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team (TSG), dominated the Pro Team Time Trial, edging out the Nusantara Cycling Team by just two seconds. It was a race of precision, teamwork, and nerves of steel.
In a post-race interview, Maulana Astnan, Indonesia’s National Champion, reflected on a near miss that almost cost his team:
“It was unfortunate, but we still secured second place, which was a surprising result,” he admitted, recalling how a high-speed corner nearly led to a crash.
Meanwhile, Aiman Cahyadi of TSG shared his mindset ahead of the race:
“We just enjoy the race this weekend, and we hope we can give our best,” he said with determination — a sentiment that resonated with every cyclist on the grid.
Pride for Southeast Asia and the Polygon Riders
The criterium wasn’t just about international stars; it was also a proud showcase of Southeast Asia’s cycling talent. Singapore’s national athlete Riyadh Hakim earned a podium finish, taking third place in the PRURide Seeker’s Mixed Open Criterium aboard his Polygon Helios A8X road bike — one of the best road bikes for serious racers seeking speed and precision.
Representing Singapore, Polygon rider Arfan Faisal also expressed pride in competing alongside global cycling icons:
“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.
Aiman Cahyadi echoed that pride, adding:
“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.”
More Than a Race: A Celebration of Passion and Performance
For Polygon Bikes, the Tour de France Singapore Criterium wasn’t merely about competition — it was a celebration of unity, progress, and the relentless spirit of cyclists who push beyond limits. The brand’s presence underscored its growing influence not only in Asia but across global cycling communities, including Canada, where road biking continues to thrive.
Whether you’re chasing personal records on your local trails or inspired by the legends of the Tour de France, the dedication and innovation behind every Polygon road bicycle remind us why the brand stands among the best road bikes in the world.
As the 2024 Singapore Criterium concluded, it left behind unforgettable memories, not just for the athletes but for every Polygon rider who shares the same love for the open road, the rush of the sprint, and the joy of riding together.
