Following our podium success in Hiroshima, the KINAN Racing Team headed to Tochigi for a double-header weekend. After a hard-fought 4th place by Yudai Shinjo at the Mooka Haga Road Race, we lined up for the Utsunomiya Kiyohara Criterium hungry for revenge.
Racing on a high-speed 2.4km circuit, our 6-man squad—led by J Criterium Tour leader Keigo Kusaba—executed a tactical masterclass for most of the day. We controlled the front, neutralized early attacks, and kept Kusaba perfectly positioned for the final showdown.
The Highlights:
- Tactical Control: Yamamoto, Shinjo, and Shingu provided crucial lead-out support, while Hashikawa and Uga covered dangerous moves throughout the mid-race.
- The Finish: In a chaotic final lap, Hashikawa surged to reel in a late break, delivering Kusaba into the final corner in 6th position.
- The Result: Despite a powerful kick, Kusaba finished 5th, narrowly missing the podium and unfortunately handing over the leader’s jersey.
While it was a frustrating end to the weekend, we view this as a vital learning experience. We tested new tactics and identified exactly where to sharpen our accuracy for the upcoming rounds.
What’s Next?
No rest for the weary! The team enters a week-long training camp starting April 6th to recover and rebuild. We’ll be back in action on April 12th at the Challenge Cycle Road Race in Shizuoka to test our form.
No rest for the weary! The team enters a week-long training camp starting April 6th to recover and rebuild. We’ll be back in action on April 12th at the Challenge Cycle Road Race in Shizuoka to test our form.
Thank you to our fans and sponsors for the incredible support in Tochigi! We’re coming back stronger. 🔴⚪️🔵
#KINANRacingTeam #CyclingLife #UtsunomiyaCriterium #JCriteriumTour #RoadCycling #NeverGiveUp
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