NTN presents 2018 ツアー・オブ・ジャパン

After the actual start, many riders tried to attack, but the attempts were not successful and the peloton was not separated in the 2nd lap.

The first breakaway was seen finally in downhill in the end of the second lap.  The break was formed by riders who are second-ace riders from each team, so that the leading group could not make a big time gap to the peloton and it took only 2 laps for the peloton to catch the front group.

Damian MONIER (AISAN RACING TEAM) made a solo attack in the 7th lap and expanded about two-minute time gap at most to the peloton.

Jorge Camilo CASTIBLANCO CUBIDES (TEAM ILLUMINATE) and Thomas LEBAS (KINAN CYCLING TEAM) burst from the peloton in the 9th lap.  Their speed was enough to make a gap to the peloton.  CASTIBLANCO CUBIDES passed MONIER in uphill in the last lap and head to the finish.  On the other hand, NIPPO – VINI FANTINI – EUROPE OVINI in the peloton tried to catch the leading two riders, but it was too late to make it.

On the final straight to the finish, CASTIBLANCO could not catch LEBAS after his attack and allows LEBAS enough time for the victory.

The peloton finished one minute and 19 seconds later.  Green Jersey wearer Grega BOLE (BAHRAIN – MERIDA) who has led the main group earned sprint points and won Blue Jersey today.  Green Jersey will be given to LEBAS tomorrow.  Red Jersey goes to Yuma KOISHI (TEAM UKYO) who crossed category 1 climb point in the third place.

“It was hard like last year what I thought.  It is very difficult circuit.  We had a plan which was worked well and I am happy to win the stage.”

“Many teams wanted to breakaway for the points, so that it was not easy to escape from the front group like yesterday.  The speed of peloton was increased before the second KOM point and it made me possible to win Red Jersey today again, if I passed the point in the third place.  I am happy to win the jersey again.”

Weather：SUNNY

Temperature：28℃

Spectators：38,000