Egan Bernal joins other stars of the Tour de France peloton at the exhibitional Saitama Criterium

The Tour de France criteriums continue this weekend, with many of the key names of the French Grand Tour heading to Japan's Saitama Criterium on Sunday November 5, straight from last weekend's Prudential Singapore Criterium.  

The likes of Tadej Pogačar, Sepp Kuss, Giulio Ciccone and Pello Bilbao will deliver another display, along with Peter Sagan, Mark Cavendish and Chris Froome who are lining up with the race's Legends Team. Egan Bernal, who wasn't in Singapore, will also be joining alongside his Ineos Grenadiers teammates Joshua Tarling and Brandon Rivera.

The events in Singapore and Tokyo, more of an exhibition than a race, take some of the fanfare of the Tour de France beyond Europe to give the large crowds a glimpse of their favourite riders. "You see all the kids here with stars in their eyes," said Froome.

Photo opportunities on rickshaws, selfies and autographs were a big part of the event in Singapore and that trend will continue through to Tokyo, where the seven teams filled with international riders line up alongside seven Japanese teams. A maillot jaune autograph sessions, a Cycle Festa, opening ceremony and closing party are all part of the agenda.