NTN presents 2018 ツアー・オブ・ジャパン

The pre-race press conference for the NTN presents 2018 Tour of Japan was held at the Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko (“Sakai Risho no Mori” in Japanese) in Sakai city, Osaka, on Saturday, 19^th May, 2018.

Six riders of foreign and Japanese teams talked about their condition and expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming 8-day stage race.

After the press conference, the riders experienced the tea ceremony in the tea room in the facility and enjoyed the Maccha tea (powdered green tea) and Wagashi (Japanese sweets) with showing smile.

 

1. HATANAKA Yusuke (TEAM UKYO / 2017 Japan National Road Champion)

After seeing my team mate’s wins for two years in a row, I really feel like racing the top category stage race in Japan as a National Road Champion.

 

2. AMEZAWA Takeaki (UTSUNOMIYA BLITZEN/ 3^rd of 2017 Japan Cup)

The team’s condition is pretty good and won some races in the J Pro tour which is Japanese national road series races.  We ride the upward wave, and MASUDA and I will target the GC win.

 

3. HATSUYAMA Sho (NIPPO-VINI FANTINI-EUROPA OVINI / Red Jersey of 2017 Tour of Japan)

My surroundings have been largely changed and I now see the Tour of Japan in a different prospect.  I will do my best in the biggest stage race in Japan.

 

4. CANOLA Marco (NIPPO-VINI FANTINI-EUROPA OVINI / Blue Jersey of 2017 Tour of Japan)

Actually, I think I am better than last year.  I will try to take another victory here and do my best at Mt Fuji stage.

 

5. BOLE Grega (BEHRAIN – MERIDA / 2^nd of 2014 Tour of Japan)

I am happy to come back to Japan, which is one of my favorite countries.  I am in a good condition and will be into the race.

 

6. ARASHIRO Yukiya (BEHRAIN – MERIDA)

I aspire the GC win, of course, but will try to win a stage at first.  We will win as many jerseys as possible and are strong enough to keep the leader jersey after winning one stage.  We have pride as a World Tour team and don’t want the Japanese riders to show their brilliant perform.