New criterium series for serious cyclists

SINGAPORE — There will be plenty of reason for cheer for Singapore cyclists this month.

Apart from the 2013 National Road Cycling Championships (Aug 24-25), they will also get the opportunity to race in a controlled environment on three consecutive Sundays before the championships.

RAD Events, a newcomer to the local cycling scene, will be organising the Singapore Road Cycling Criterium Series on Aug 4, 11 and 18. Each event will feature five graded criterium races, where riders will be grouped according to levels of ability and race a pre-stated duration on a 2km circuit. This range from the entry-level Grade E for riders with minimum experience in criterium racing and who ride at an average speed of 24-32kmh, to Grade A, which will feature some of Singapore’s elite riders who go as fast as 40-45kmh.

Events of this nature are scarce here, while the criterium races at the annual OCBC Cycle Singapore cater mainly to skilled riders. However, such cycling meets are held regularly in Europe, the United States and Australia, as part of a structured club-level racing season.

Said Australian Kristjan Snorrason, Events Director for RAD Events, who will also be organising the National Championships: “I want to have races as often as possible ... for riders in Singapore to participate in. It’s low-fuss, a lot of fun and a wide variety of participant levels and will feature Singapore’s elite riders mentoring the less experienced.”

Daniel Loy, sport and technical manager of the Singapore Cycling Federaton, welcomed the introduction of the series. “This is precisely the kind of grassroots programme we need for the local cycling community, to nurture the budding talent and further the development of Singapore cycling,” he said.

More than 100 riders are expected to take part in the first event, which will be held at Tampines Industrial Avenues 1 and 2 this Sunday. PHILIP GOH