2023-10-15 23:45:00
“It’s a victory that motivates me for next season,” are the words of Rui Costa, who won the 30th Japan Cup. We will introduce comments from athletes such as Engelhardt and Martin, who lost in the sprint, and Alaphilippe and Yukiya Shinshiro, who sparked a race by running away.
Winner Rui Costa (Portugal, Intermarche Circus Wanty)
Rui Costa (Portugal, Intermarche Circus Wanty) won with outstanding sprinting power photo: Makoto AYANO
It was a fast-paced and tough race, and the rain and cold made it even tougher. There was a lot of turnover at the front of the race, and the key to victory was how much leg space might be left. We had a strong team going into this race, so we were hoping to get a good result. So I’m really happy to have won.
We were able to keep at least one person from the team in the lead group, and in the final stages there were three of us, including myself. We all worked together and attacked with two laps left.
– How did you feel when the next two people caught up with you?
I wasn’t particularly waiting for two people, but I was running with the intention of keeping a distance from the group. Although I had to “wait” for them to join up in a difficult situation when the distance between me and the other two people became tight, I decided that it would be better to have three people (because the two people and the group behind them were separated). to.
Winner Rui Costa (Intermarche Circus Wanty, Portugal) photo: Satoru Kato
-Was the reason you were able to win even though it was your first time competing because you carefully checked the asphalt during the test run?
During the first and second laps, I was able to get a feel for the grip and check the safety. After that, I never felt like I was at risk. We were able to end the season with a win, which gives us motivation as a team and as individuals for the upcoming season.
– He will leave the team at the end of this season, and some reports are saying that he will be transferring to EF Education Easy Post.
First of all, I’m honored to be able to wear this jersey and win. No official announcement has been made yet, but it will likely be revealed next week.
2nd place Felix Engelhardt (Germany, Jayco Aluller)
Felix Engelhardt (Germany, Jayco Aluller) finished in 2nd place photo: Kei Tsuji
First of all, I would like to thank everyone in the audience who came to support us. Unfortunately it was raining, but thanks to everyone, the race had a great atmosphere. It was a really tough race in the rain with everyone fighting for position, but as expected, everyone was going all out from the start. I was able to get into the right group, but unfortunately lost in the end.
3rd place Guillaume Martin (France, Cofidis)
3rd place Guillaume Martin (Cofidis, France) photo: Satoru Kato
We knew it was going to be a very difficult race in the rain. Once the race started, it actually became a difficult race, and the simple course meant it was fast-paced.
-Was it because you were confident in your sprint that you didn’t make a move on the climb on the final lap?
no. Honestly, I was pretty tired at that point. There was also a descent following the climb, and the flat road continued following that, so I didn’t think it would be a good idea to attack on the climb. So I thought of trying to do it in the last 2km, but I simply didn’t have the strength left in my legs.
4th place Maxime VanHils (Belgium, Lot d’Isteny)
Maxime van Hils launching an attack (Belgium, Lot d’Esteny) photo: Kei Tsuji
He had the legs to win, but he made the wrong time to attack. With three laps to go, he pushed too hard and was left alone in the lead with no one following him. He ended up making a missed shot. On the final lap, he didn’t have enough legs left to close the distance to the leading three riders.
Highest Japanese finisher (15th) Jun Okamoto (Aisan Kogyo Racing)
Jun Okamoto (Aisan Kogyo Racing Team) won the Asia Best Player Award photo: Satoru Kato
I might keep up with him if he had just one shot, but I think the reason why he fell behind in the end was due to his hesitation. Considering the number of laps left, I think I did my best, but I feel that the difference was made by my ability to sprint multiple times, my response to attacks, and my ability to continue multiple laps following increasing my pace once.
I think this time we were able to see Hayabusa Okamoto, who is strong in climbing. However, the climb up Kogashirindo was just barely bearable, and I think it would have been tougher if it had been 500m longer. The first time I ran this course, it was tough, but lately I’ve started to think, “Maybe I’m good at it?” Today, my name was called “Okamoto! Okamoto!” every lap, and I was able to endure until the end, thinking that I wouldn’t be cut to pieces here.
Mountaineering Award (3rd and 6th laps) Julien Alaphilippe (France, Soudal Quickstep)
Julien Alaphilippe fleeing alone (France, Soudal Quickstep) photo: Yuichiro Hosoda
I wanted to get a good result even in bad weather, which I don’t like. That’s why I took the lead. I made it to the end in good condition, but my legs still mightn’t last. Although we did not win, I am satisfied with the result. I just wanted to do my best in front of everyone. The last two days have been very good. I was happy to be able to come to Japan.
Yukiya Shinshiro (Bahrain Victorious)
Yukiya Shinjo devotedly chased following Pehnsteiner, who was lagging behind. Photo: Kei Tsuji eventually joined the Oiso group.
Of course, as a team, we ran with the aim of winning. (Being behind the elite group along the way) is something you shouldn’t do. We mightn’t get (the athletes) in front and at that point it was like half the race (the race) was over. It was our mistake.
I didn’t have many chances to race in Japan, and I had a lot of people calling my name, but I ended up using all my strength just to get two people back to the front group. It’s a shame that we mightn’t make the race more enjoyable for everyone. However, having my name called every lap gave me strength.
text:Sotaro.Arakawa, Satoru Kato
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