Tour de France Saitama Criterium - Experience the Excitement of the Tour de France in Japan

The Tour de France Saitama Criterium was born in 2013 as the world's first event to bear the "Tour de France" name. Established in the commemorative year of the 100th Tour de France, it was realized through collaboration between ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation) and Saitama City. The course is set on a specially designed circuit of approximately 3 kilometers around the Saitama-Shintoshin Station area. In 2024, for the first time, a spectacular route was introduced that passes through the main arena of the Saitama Super Arena. The main race features the same four prize jerseys as the Tour de France main event - general classification, points, mountains, and young rider - with star athletes who performed in the summer's main event being invited. World champions including Christopher Froome, Peter Sagan, Mark Cavendish, Alejandro Valverde, and Tadej Pogačar have claimed victories, and in 2019, Yukiya Arashiro achieved the first Japanese victory. On the event day, the entire Saitama-Shintoshin area is opened free of charge, with certain premium viewing areas available for a fee, attracting approximately 100,000 spectators annually. With excellent station-front accessibility and diverse attractions, it appeals to a wide range of visitors—from families to cycling enthusiasts. The day before the race features time trials, hands-on experience events, Japanese cultural experiences, and markets, transforming the entire city into a cycling festival. This is Saitama's signature sports event that allows you to experience the excitement and dynamism of the world's highest-level bicycle racing up close in Japan, drawing attention both domestically and internationally.