Race news
Isaac del Toro and Paul Seixas face off again as rivalry moves to Singapore
The Grand Tour contenders are in Asia for a lucrative exhibition event with Jasper Philipsen and Biniam Girmay also racing.
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Cor Vos
Isaac del Toro and Paul Seixas will be back in action at the weekend as the headline riders of the fifth edition of the Tour de France EFGH Singapore Criterium in South East Asia.
While most riders are enjoying the off-season, the two biggest future Grand Tour talents in the sport will race for 25 laps of the 2.45-kilometre circuit in the city centre, with Jasper Philipsen and Biniam Girmay also on the start list along with other riders from several WorldTour teams and local riders. The headline riders are believed to receive significant fees for racing in Asia.
The criterium is more of an exhibition event than a race but helps promote the Tour de France and pro cycling in Asia, with a weekend of fan events and rides. Mark Cavendish, who celebrated his retirement with a final victory in Singapore in 2024, returns as an ambassador.
A similar event will be held in Saitama, Japan, on Sunday, November 15, where Seixas will again be the star rider, alongside world champion Brandon McNulty, Michael Matthews and Oscar Onley.
Seixas and Del Toro fought for the white jersey at the Tour and then for victory at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, with the Mexican taking both. Seixas got revenge with a solo victory at Il Lombardia, as Del Toro was hampered by a knee problem.
Seixas has not raced since winning Il Lombardia and taking part in the Roc d'Azur mountain bike event, enjoying a few quiet weeks off the bike. He has still to decide his long-term future when his contract with Decathlon CMA CGM ends in 2027 and if his race programme will be centred on the Tour de France or Giro d'Italia.
The Tour de France criterium circuit passes Singapore's landmarks and skyline, including the Padang, Anderson Bridge, Esplanade on the streets of Marina Bay.
A team presentation and a social session with the riders will be held on Saturday, with a time trial on Sunday, followed by the criterium at 4:30pm local time.
The criterium will be broadcast by Eurosport and other Tour de France broadcasters, starting at 9:20 CET.
