Singapore is set to become the first Southeast Asian country to host a Tour de France criterium event this October. Titled the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium, the street race will take place on a specially designed street circuit in the heart of the city on 29 and 30 October.

The 2-day event will feature 32 riders from eight of the world’s best professional cycling teams, headlined by British cyclist Mark Cavendish, who holds the joint record for the most Tour de France stage wins (34).

An offshoot of the main competition Tour de France, "the Criterium is a shorter race on a closed circuit, which makes the format more suited to Singapore streets," explained the organizers.

"The Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium race weekend will comprise races for both professionals and amateurs and is expected to reach millions of viewers through a variety of international broadcasters."