Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Bridgestone rider KOJIMA Naoki won the Road Race Tokyo Tama 2023 on Sunday, finishing the 72.6-km course in one hour, 29 minutes and 13 seconds at Tokyo’s 50,000-seat Ajinomoto Stadium. 

OKAMOTO Hayato tied with his teammate SATOH Ken from the Asian Racing team for second place in a time of 1:29:16.

WATABE Kasuga triumphed in the women’s race ahead of UETAKE Miki and KOBAYASHI Akari, covering the distance of 49.8 km in 1 hour, 16 minutes and 27 seconds.

A total of 100 male and female cyclists completed the race in cool, sunny, windless weather.

The race started from Hachioji in the west of Tokyo and covered the Tama area before finishing at Ajinomoto Stadium.

Among the observers was three-time Japan road-race champion ARASHIRO Yukiya, who now rides for the Bahrain Victorious team.

Arashiro, 39, is looking to extend his career so he can participate one more time in the Giro D’Italia and the Tour de France, as well as taking part in next year’s Paris Olympic Games. Arashiro has visited Bahrain and told Arab News Japan he is grateful for his Arab sponsors.

The three male medalists told Arab News Japan they hope to be selected for the Paris Olympics. Selection will be made in February of next year.