Japan's big day
The circuit in Utsunomiya Shinrin-Koen Forest Park was used for the 1990 World Championships, and since 1992, the Utsunomiya Japan Cup Road Race has been held on this same circuit, with the only variation between editions being the number of laps to complete. Established on the calendar for more than three decades, it is Japan’s most important race.
Course
As mentioned, the course is fully recognizable. The race takes place entirely on the circuit in the forest park, which is 10.3 km long and includes the climb to Mt. Kogashiyama (5 km at 3.4%) as its main highlight. This time, 14 laps will be completed, for a total distance of 144 km and 2500 meters of positive elevation gain.
Favorites
Neilson Powless (600), Michael Woods (600), Matej Mohorič (800), Axel Zingle (600), Mauri Vansevenant (200), Dylan Teuns (400), Andrea Bagioli (400), Edoardo Zambanini (200), Toms Skujins (400), Lukas Nerurkar (200), Simon Yates (800), Felix Engelhardt (200), or Archie Ryan (200) are some of the main favorites on the provisional start list.
Photo: © Utsunomiya Japan Cup Road Race