Prudential inspires active lifestyles on the wheels of Tour de France

The inaugural Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium (TdF) will be held in Singapore on the weekend of 29-30 October 2022. Coupled with exciting events and festivities, it aims to bring passion and enthusiasm for the sport to our shores. This event is not only for professional cyclists but even for amateur sports enthusiasts who can take this opportunity catch their cycling idols in person — making it a perfect family activity for all!

We interview Prudential’s organising committee for the event: Chief Customer Officer of Prudential Singapore, Goh Theng Kiat and his team - Belinda Tan, Alvin Soo and Samantha See - who share their passions for the sport as ambassadors of well-being. They also recount their efforts to bring this sporting phenomenon from France to Singapore for the very first time.

Q: Why did Prudential decide to be the title sponsor of Tour de France Criterium in Singapore?

Theng Kiat: Tour de France is essentially Formula 1 but racing on a bike, which is far more sustainable because we aren’t burning any fuel during the race. Working with a major brand like Tour de France is in line with Prudential’s vision to help people get the most out of life by promoting cycling as a way to keep fit and healthy.?

“The inaugural edition of Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium is a highly anticipated one and marks an important milestone for Singapore. Prudential’s title sponsorship signifies our commitment to encourage more people to be healthier and more active, and our continued support towards Singapore’s standing as a world-class tourism hub." Goh Theng Kiat, Chief Customer Officer, Prudential Singapore

Belinda: Cycling is not new to us. We sponsor PRURide Cycling events, which started in London and is now also held in Asia. This partnership with Tour de France will create opportunities for the cycling community to come together and enjoy special shared experiences, improve professionalism, and raise cycling standards in Singapore. It is also a reflection of Prudential’s ongoing commitment to champion journeys towards wellness.

Q: What can cyclists expect at the Singapore Criterium?

Samantha: Here in Singapore, the racing will be slightly different from a typical Tour de France. Where that comprises races in segments that travel through Europe, and which culminate in Paris, the Singapore Criterium will be confined to a circuit. It will be a race of 20 laps around a 3.1km circuit in the Marina Bay area of the city.

Theng Kiat: The circuit was chosen by the Singapore Tourism Board to feature the cosmopolitan heart of Singapore’s central business district and is meant to highlight our status as a global hub. These riders will race in teams and will work together to set their team members up for the win.

Q: Why do you think that people will be excited to watch the Tour de France in Singapore?

Theng Kiat: I was in Paris in July to catch the end of the Tour de France race, and it was thoroughly exhilarating! A combination of close to 200 cyclists riding in a peloton going at high speeds and the passion of the fans lining up the streets in Paris; it truly was a celebration of the best in the cycling world!

I was really amazed by all the excitement on the ground and really hope that the Singaporean edition we are organising will be able to do justice to that fervour as well.

Q: How are Prudential employees getting involved?

Alvin: Prior to the event weekend, we have invited colleagues who are avid road bike cyclists to join the PRURIDE Seeker’s Society, led by experienced coaches and athletes from Singapore Cycling Federation. They will attend cycling clinics that will train and prepare cyclists for the criterium. Staff and seekers who complete all four cycling clinics will stand a chance to race in the Prudential Criterium on the event weekend!

Colleagues participating in cycling clinics organised by the PRURIDE Seeker’s Society

For the rest of our staff who aren’t involved in cycling, they can take advantage of tickets to go watch the race, and simply use that this opportunity for family time on the weekend.

Belinda: Do also check out the concert headlined by Synthony; they’re really big in Australia and New Zealand at the moment. They fuse electronic dance music with a live orchestra, and of course, you have DJs and vocalists working the set as well. They also have a laser light show which I’ve heard is amazing!?

Q: What personally attracts you to cycling, as the organising team of the TdF event?

Samantha: I guess when I cycle, the thrilling thing is that I’m moving faster and further than when I run, and that’s something I really enjoy. I always use the distance tracker on our Pulse app when I’m cycling so I really know how far I’ve gone on the bike; it’s actually really handy when you want to pace yourself and keep improving your stamina over time!

Theng Kiat: I don’t cycle; I’m more of a runner. That said, I do think our Singapore government has been trying to support the rise in the number of cyclists, such as the dedicated cycling link which helps improve the safety of the riders. It truly has been able to make cycling practical for being both a means of commuting and for recreation as well.

Belinda: I’m also more of a spin class person than I am a cyclist. Is that counted too?

Alvin: I think, like what Samantha has said, I love that I can go wherever I want when I get on a bike! It’s easy to rent one too, and I don’t associate this with exercise just because it’s such a relaxing activity for me! Of course, this is completely different from what the competitors on race day will go through — amateurs and professionals — but it really shows that biking is truly for anyone and everyone.?

Organising this milestone event is truly a real team effort. Meet the other members of the team who have been working hard behind the scenes! From Left to Right [Queenie Low, Alvin Soo, Goh Theng Kiat, Samantha See and Dominic Yee]?