Mark Cavendish will compete in Southeast Asia's first Tour de France Criterium race

This October, Singapore will become the first Southeast Asian nation to host a Tour de France criterium race. On October 29 and 30, the event will take place on a specially built street track in the center of the city.

"In contrast, the Criterium is a shorter race on a closed circuit, which makes the format more suited to Singapore streets, 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," the organizers said.

It will feature 32 riders from eight of the world’s best professional cycling teams, including British cyclist Mark Cavendish. "A first Tour de France road race in Southeast Asia and the first race for me in this part of the world. Cycling has given me so much and is a great part of my life. It’s a privilege for me to do what I love and I’m looking forward to getting out there and sharing the adrenaline, excitement, and fun that comes with criterium racing," he said.