Japan’s Tour de Fukushima delivered a packed weekend of racing on 13-14 June, combining a flat 13km individual time trial with Granfondo and Mediofondo road races. An impressive field of more than 250 riders contested the time trial, while over 1,500 lined up across the two road events. The weekend also served as a crucial qualifier for Japanese riders chasing starting spots at the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Niseko this August.
Saturday’s flat, fast and exposed 13km out-and-back course set the tone.
Kyoshiro Kawada posted the fastest time of 17:09, averaging a blistering 47.23 km/h. He edged Naoki Ichimura by just 6 seconds, while Tatsuya Kato completed the podium in third. In the women’s race, Si Li clocked 20:01 at 40.46 km/h, finishing 17 seconds ahead of Momoyo Nozaki, with Nakamura Yoko taking third, 44 seconds back.
Sunday’s 140km Granfondo, featuring more than 2,300 metres of climbing, stayed largely together until the final climb into Naraha, where more than 50 riders remained in contention for victory. Kakeru Omae timed his sprint to perfection, narrowly defeating Taki Masato and Kyuto Yoshida, as the lead group averaged 41.19 km/h over the 03:19:06 race.
In the 80km Mediofondo, Hiromi Kaneko set the fastest overall time of 02:05:00 to claim the women’s title, while Atsushi Yamamoto did the same in the men’s race with a time of 02:05:24.
With Niseko looming in August, the Tour de Fukushima offered Japanese riders a vital final opportunity to test their form and secure a World Championship starting bib by finishing in the top 25% of their category.
Tour de Fukushima results HERE
Photo Credit: Tour de Fukushima
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