What is the "Tour de France Saitama Criterium"?
The "Tour de France Saitama Criterium" is a race named after the "Tour de France" what is the world's most prestigious road cycle race.
Top riders from around the world, including those who excelled in that year's Tour de France, will compete in a heated battle in Saitama, Japan.
For this 11th year of the race, we have prepared hospitality packages to suit all viewing styles, from watching first-time cycle racers to enthusiastic fans.
Set in Saitama New City, be sure to enjoy the exciting races of top riders racing through the skyscrapers and the thrilling moments that can only be experienced here.
Please enjoy this special experience when you visit to Japan.
In 2013, the world's largest and most prestigious bicycle race, the Tour de France, was held for the 100th time. The Tour de France Saitama Criterium was the world's first event to bear the name of the Tour de France. Professional athletes who had performed well in the Tour de France held that summer, including the overall winner, stage victories, and various awards, will all be coming to Japan. After overcoming a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 10th anniversary tournament will be held in 2024. And finally, in 2025, the next phase will see the 11th tournament.
The Tour de France was originally founded in 1903 as "the toughest race on earth." In European media, it is introduced as one of the world's three major sporting events, along with the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. Of these, the Tour de France is the only one that is held every year. Although the dates of the Olympic Games, the FIFA World Cup, and the Tour de France overlap or are just a hair's breadth apart once every four years, they always respect each other and continue to appeal to sports fans around the world by adjusting their schedules.
It's no wonder that cycling enthusiasts all over the world are envious of the fact that such a sport can be witnessed in Saitama City, Japan, far from the host city. The global Tour de France brand, which is broadcast internationally to 190 countries around the world, will remain intact, and not only the athletes but also the organising staff and media will be visiting Japan, and even props such as signs will be brought in from the Tour de France.
For those who have never seen a bicycle race before, I would like to draw your attention to the authentic culture that the Tour de France embodies. The tournament, which has been built up over 120 years, has matured under the influence of various elements, including the traditions, customs, social habits, economics, and religious views of European society and its people, including France. It's somehow stylish. It makes you feel excited and your heart is beating fast. The venue is filled with delicious smells and smiles from everyone, from children to the elderly.
While some of the items are not found in Japan, there are also some surprisingly similar elements to the original Japanese landscape. Who won is one of the things I'm interested in, but it also brings back childhood memories of being amazed by the enthusiasm of the circus troupe that came to my town... I hope that everyone will head along the route to experience the atmosphere and scent of the Tour de France and discover its charm.
The milestone 10th tournament in 2024 was a race to express gratitude to those who have supported us up to that point. We hope that the year 2025 will mark a new start and a step forward for the next decade. However, the concept has remained unchanged since the first tournament. "The Tour de France has come to Saitama!" I will never forget the excitement and thrill I felt at that time.
Written by Kazuyuki Yamaguchi, Tour de France reporter
Enjoy interacting with athletes and special experiences
"Hospitality Packages"
Plan Detail
Price・Special Offer
Gold Plan
JPY150,000/per person Limited to 20 tickets
Included
・Speacator Seats near the Team pit of Saitama Super Arena
・Participate in the Pre-event celebration
・Watch the previous day's event in the same area with athletes
・Tour of the Team Pit area
・Commemorative photo at the Award ceremony
・Souvenir (Original race cap product by Santini [signed by any athletes])
・Light meal
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Spectator seats(Near the Team pit of Saitama Super Arena)
Spectator seats are available near the racer's team pits. Recommended for those who want to get up close and personal with the athletes!
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View from the spectator seats (image)
You can enjoy watching the racers getting ready, their serious expressions before and after the race, and even their relaxed expressions as they take a sigh of relief, all from a distance that feels as if you are "in the same space".
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Participate in the pre-event celebration
You can participate in the pre-event celebration held at the hotel the day before the tournament. In a special space only available to particular people, including the players,
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Watch the pre-event (fan appreciation festival)
You can watch the event in the same area as the athletes.You might even be able to see a different side to the athletes than the serious expressions they have during the race!? It will be scheduled greeting events with athletes.
Check saitama-criterium.jp sitefor details about the event. -
Tour of the Team Pit area
Guided by former professional road racer Takashi Miyazawa. You can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the pit area.
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Award ceremony viewing
You can watch the award ceremony from a special location near the pits.
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Commemorative photo at the Award ceremony
Take a commemorative photo with the players!Remember this special moments.
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Souvenir (Original race cap product by Santini [signed by any athletes])
The autograph will be from one of the athletes competing in the Saitama Criterium. *It cannot choose the athletes.
Bronze plan
JPY10,000/per person Limited to 200 tickets
Included
・Tiered seats in the Saitama Super Arena main venue
・Souvenirs (snacks, etc.)
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Spectator seats (Tiered seats in the Saitama Super Arena main venue)
Saitama Super Arena Main Venue Rollback seats (tiered seats).Recommended for first-time spectators!
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View from the spectator seats (image)
You can enjoy events and races from the rear central area, which offers a panoramic view of the entire Saitama Super Arena.
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Souvenirs (snacks, etc.)
This image is for illustrative purposes only. It will be differrent from the actual item you receive.
Schedule
*This is an image. The schedule is subject to change.
Gold plan
08-NOV(sat)
*Event the day before race tournament
13:00～16:00
Fan festival
18:30～20:00
Pre-event celebration
09-NOV(sun)
*On the day of the race tournament
11:00 ～
Saitama Super Arena will open
11:30 ～13:10
Opening ceremony/Player introduction/Opening run and more..
13:40 ～14:25
Time trial race
A race in which each athlete or team starts in pairs and competes to see who can reach the finish line the fastest.
-Team time trial race-
Overseas invited players and domestic participating players (3 players per group) (planned)
-Individual time trial race-
Seven female and male junior athletes, seven pairs of paracycling athletes
73rd Chichibunomiya Official Cup Saitama Prefecture Bicycle Road Race Winners (2 people) (planned)
*The number of participating athletes may be subject to change.
*Female athletes, junior male athletes, and paracycling athletes may only participate in the individual time trial race.
14:55 ～16:20
*Criterium Main Race (17 laps)*
Participants run 17 laps of a course measuring approximately 3.5 km each, and the first athlete to cross the finish line wins.
An exciting race with all competitors participating
(All athletes *Excluding female athletes, junior male athletes, and paracycling athletes)
*The number of participating athletes may be subject to change.
*Female athletes, junior male athletes, and paracycling athletes may only participate in the individual time trial race.
16:45 ～17:15
Awards Ceremony etc.
Bronze plan
11:00 ～
Saitama Super Arena will open
11:30 ～13:10
Opening ceremony/Player introduction/Opening run and more..
13:40 ～14:25
Time trial race
A race in which each athlete or team starts in pairs and competes to see who can reach the finish line the fastest.
-Team time trial race-
Overseas invited players and domestic participating players (3 players per group) (planned)
-Individual time trial race-
Seven female and male junior athletes, seven pairs of paracycling athletes
73rd Chichibunomiya Official Cup Saitama Prefecture Bicycle Road Race Winners (2 people) (planned)
*The number of participating athletes may be subject to change.
*Female athletes, junior male athletes, and paracycling athletes may only participate in the individual time trial race.
14:55 ～16:20
*Criterium Main Race (17 laps)*
Participants run 17 laps of a course measuring approximately 3.5 km each, and the first athlete to cross the finish line wins.
An exciting race with all competitors participating
(All athletes *Excluding female athletes, junior male athletes, and paracycling athletes)
*The number of participating athletes may be subject to change.
*Female athletes, junior male athletes, and paracycling athletes may only participate in the individual time trial race.
16:45 ～17:15
Awards Ceremony etc.
Tourist Hotspot in Saitama
"Saitama City Omiya Bonsai Art Museum & Omiya Bonsai Village"
The world's first public "Bonsai Museum"
Japanese "Bonsai" is also called "BONSAI" in English and it is a traditional culture that represents Japan.
The Saitama City Omiya Bonsai Art Museum was opened in 2010 by Saitama City to widely disseminate bonsai culture.
There are always around 60 bonsai on display in the bonsai garden, and you can enjoy the changing seasons,
including pine and cypress bonsai that are over hundreds of years old, as well as maple and cherry bonsai that change color in autumn.
https://www.bonsai-art-museum.jp/ja/
A mecca of Bonsai, "Omiya Bonsai Village"
Omiya Bonsai Village is just a few minutes' walk from the Bonsai Museum.
Omiya Bonsai Village was opened in 1925 after bonsai growers from Tokyo moved to the area in search of suitable soil for growing bonsai.
Since then, it has continued to welcome many bonsai enthusiasts from both within Japan and overseas as a mecca for fine bonsai,
and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025.
https://www.city.saitama.lg.jp/004/005/001/005/index.html
For other tourist information, please check the Saitama Tourism and International Association website.
Access
7 It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by public transportation from Narita Airport or Haneda Airport.
From "JR Keihin Tohoku Line/Saitama-Shintoshin Station", about 3 minutes on foot.
From "JR Saikyo Line/Kita-Yono Station", about 8 minutes on foot.
Important Notes
*Scroll down for more details.*
Common -Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. -Applications will close once the sales number has been reached.After you apply, we will send an application confirmation email to the email address you registered. -Tickets can be exchanged for vouchers at the information on the day of the event. -Ticket purchasers will be contacted by email in mid to late October with details on ticket exchange and entry methods.We cannot provide compensation if you are unable to receive your ticket under any circumstances, such as due to delays in public transportation.Other ticket handling will be in accordance with the tournament organizers (Saitama Criterium Organizing Committee, Saitama Sports Commission). -The viewing seats are unreserved seats within the designated area. Please note that seats cannot be reserved. -Videos, photos, articles and individual records of the race may be published by the organizer and third parties approved by the organizer in promotional materials such as the race program and posters, as well as in media such as television, radio, newspapers, magazines and the internet for the purpose of running and promoting the race. -We may not be able to provide this service due to natural disasters, accidents, force majeure, etc.
About the Viewing area -After exchanging your ticket, you are free to enter, exit, and re-enter the venue. -Please watch the race in the designated viewing area.
Regarding securing the race course -Traffic restrictions will be in place on surrounding roads from 9:00 to 18:30. -Watching is only permitted in designated viewing areas. -Please refrain from any dangerous behavior such as leaning onto the course, leaning on the fence, or putting flags, fans, or hands outside the fence. -Please be careful not to leave cheering goods, garbage, clothing, or other items on the course. -Cheer banners, flags, etc. cannot be attached to the fence. -Watching with an umbrella may obstruct the viewing of those around you. Please wear a raincoat when it rains. -Please note that you will not be able to cross the course during traffic restriction -Please be considerate of other customers when watching the game. -Please refrain from reserving a viewing spot by leaving your belongings or other items there. -Watching from stairs or climbing on fences or structures is prohibited as it is dangerous. -Watching from ladders, pedestals, etc. is prohibited. -Flying drones or other vehicles around the venue is extremely dangerous and please refrain from doing so.
How to get to the venue -There is no parking available around the venue. Please use public transportation when coming to the venue.If you are coming by bicycle, please use the designated bicycle parking area. -The organizer will not be held responsible for any theft or damage caused. -There have been many thefts of high-end sports bicycles, so please take adequate precautions such as locking your bicycle.Parking bicycles on sidewalks or anywhere other than bicycle parking areas is prohibited.
Other -Please take your trash with you when you leave. Please do not litter. -Please refrain from smoking along the course. -Painting messages of support or other messages on the road or on installed objects is prohibited. -If you find anything suspicious, please notify a nearby police officer or staff member immediately. -Please cooperate in ensuring your own safety and the safety of those around you, and in maintaining the course so that participants can concentrate on the race.While wearing a mask is generally a personal decision, wearing a mask is recommended in crowded areas. -Please note that if you do not follow the instructions of the staff, you may be forced to leave the venue.