Japan has a long and proud history of cycling, with many of its top athletes competing at the highest level around the world. The country has produced some of the best cyclists in the world, who have won numerous medals in the Olympic Games and World Championships.
From road cycling to track cycling, Japan has a strong tradition of producing cycling champions. we will take a look at some of the greatest cycling players in Japan.
From Olympic gold medalists to world record holders, these are the athletes who have made Japan proud.
1. Yukiya Arashiro
Yukiya Arashiro is a professional road bicycle racer from Japan. He is currently signed with the UCI World Team Team Bahrain Victorious. He has been a professional cyclist since 2006 and has competed in several major international cycling events throughout his career.
He has also won multiple awards, including the Tour of Japan in 2009 and the Tour de Okinawa in 2010. He is considered one of the top cyclists in Japan and is known for his determination and dedication to the sport.
His commitment to cycling is also a testament to his personal values and beliefs. He is an inspiration to many aspiring cyclists, and his story is one of success and determination.
2. Hayato Okamoto
Hayato Okamoto is a professional cyclist from Japan. He is currently riding for Aisan Racing Team, which is a UCI Continental team. UCI stands for Union Cycliste Internationale, the governing body for professional cycling.
Aisan Racing Team is a Japanese cycling team that competes in regional and national races in Asia. As a professional cyclist, Hayato Okamoto is expected to perform at the highest level, competing with some of the best riders in the world.
Hayato Okamoto is a highly skilled cyclist, and his success in the sport is a testament to his talent and dedication. He is an inspirational figure for aspiring cyclists in Japan and across the world.
3. Yūma Koishi
Yūma Koishi is a professional cyclist from Japan. He currently competes for a UCI Continental team named JCL Team Ukyo. UCI Continental teams are the third tier of professional cycling, below the World Tour level and the ProTeam level.
This means that Koishi competes in some of the most prestigious cycling events in the world. In order to qualify for the UCI Continental team, Koishi had to demonstrate an impressive level of skill and consistency.
He has been able to show that he has the potential to be a great cyclist and has been rewarded with the opportunity to compete on a professional level.
Koishi has achieved some impressive results in his cycling career, and he is well on his way to becoming one of the top cyclists in the world.
4. Masaki Yamamoto
Masaki Yamamoto is a professional cyclist from Japan. He currently competes in international cycling competitions for the UCI Continental team, JCL Team Ukyo.
Yamamoto has been competing in professional cycling for several years, with his greatest successes being a third-place finish in the Tour de Okinawa and a fifth-place finish in the Tour de Kyushu.
He has also taken part in several other races in Japan, Europe, and the United States. Throughout his career, he has been a consistent performer and a reliable teammate. He is a respected member of the cycling community and an inspiration to many.
5. Hiroshi Tsubaki
Hiroshi Tsubaki is a Japanese former professional cyclist who enjoyed a successful career spanning six years. He rode professionally for two teams during his career, Bridgestone–Anchor and the Kinan Cycling Team.
During this time, Tsubaki built a strong reputation as a determined and reliable cyclist who was always looking to improve and push himself. Since retiring from professional cycling, Tsubaki has taken up a new career as a barista in a coffee shop in Inagi.
His skills as a cyclist have transferred well to his new role, and he enjoys the challenge of creating the perfect cup of coffee for each customer.
By working in the coffee shop, Tsubaki is able to stay connected to the cycling community, as many of his friends and former competitors frequent the shop. He is even able to pass on his knowledge and experience to aspiring cyclists, who often seek his advice.
6. Ryota Nishizono
Ryota Nishizono was a professional racing cyclist from Japan who made a name for himself in the world of competitive cycling.
He started out as a hobby cyclist in his hometown, but with hard work and dedication, he achieved a level of success that allowed him to become a professional cyclist. For many years, Ryota Nishizono raced in various cycling competitions around the world, from the Tour de France to the Giro d’Italia.
He was particularly successful in Japan, competing in the All Japan Road Race Championships and the Japan Cup. He also had multiple wins at the Japan National Road Race Championships. Ryota’s commitment to his sport was evident in his results and his commitment to training.
He trained for hours each day, pushing himself to his limits, and he was rewarded for his hard work with multiple wins at major tournaments.
Ryota was also an ambassador for the sport in Japan and was instrumental in the growth of the sport in the country. Ryota retired from professional cycling in 2018, but his legacy in the sport remains.
He was a pioneer in the sport in Japan, and he helped bring recognition to Japanese cycling around the world. He will always be remembered for his dedication to the sport and his commitment to excellence.
7. Shinichi Fukushima
Shinichi Fukushima was an accomplished professional racing cyclist who competed in the sport from 1996 to 2018. During this period, he competed in several notable races and achieved considerable success.
He was also an accomplished directeur sportif, meaning he was responsible for the training and development of other professional cyclists. Fukushima was born in Japan in 1974. He began racing professionally in 1996 and competed in various races throughout the country until 2018.
He was part of a number of successful teams during this period, including the Nippon Express Cycling Team and Team Bridgestone Anchor. Fukushima was an accomplished racer, achieving several podium finishes at the Japanese National Road Race Championships and the Tour of Japan.
He also competed in the Tour de France in 2007, becoming the first Japanese rider to do so since 2003. In addition to his achievements as a racer, Fukushima was also a successful directeur sportif.
He managed the Panasonic-sponsored Daiichi-Seimei Cycling Team and the Shimano Racing Team, which achieved considerable success in the Japanese cycling scene.
Fukushima was also part of the Japanese national team during the 2006 Asian Games. Shinichi Fukushima is a highly accomplished professional cyclist who was active in the sport from 1996 to 2018.
He achieved considerable success as both a racer and a directeur sportif, making a significant contribution to the Japanese cycling scene.
8. Miyataka Shimizu
Miyataka Shimizu was a Japanese professional cyclist during the early 2000s. He started his career as a professional cyclist in 2002 and was active until 2007.
He competed in some of the biggest cycling events in Japan, such as the Tour of Japan, the Tour of Hokkaido, and the Tour of Shikoku.
He was also a part of the Shimano Racing Team during this time. Miyataka Shimizu was known for his strong climbing abilities, which he used to his advantage during races. He was often seen pushing the limits of his body in order to gain an edge over the competition.
He was also known for his tactical intelligence, which allowed him to make wise decisions on the road.
During his career, Shimizu had a number of top-10 finishes in major races and also earned a number of individual stage victories. Outside of professional cycling, Shimizu was also involved in organizing and promoting cycling events in his native Japan.
He was also a member of the cycling team with the Lixil Corporation, where he worked as a sales representative. Shimizu retired from professional cycling in 2007 and has since shifted his focus to a career in the corporate world.
9. Fumiyuki Beppu
Fumiyuki Beppu is a Japanese cyclist who has recently retired from professional road bicycle racing. He was a part of the UCI WorldTeam EF Education–Nippo, which is the highest level of road bicycle racing.
Beppu’s older brother, Takumi, is also a professional cyclist, making the two of them a dynamic brother duo in the cycling world. Fumiyuki Beppu has been involved in cycling since a young age and has been highly successful throughout his career.
He was the winner of the Tour de Okinawa in 2011 and the Tour of Japan in 2012. He also competed in many major races, including the Tour of California, the Tour of Flanders, and the Tour de France.
His best finish was 11th in the 2012 Tour de France. Beppu’s older brother, Takumi, is also a professional cyclist with an impressive list of accomplishments.
He has competed in many of the same races as Fumiyuki, including the Tour de France, Tour of California, and the Tour of Flanders.
He has won the Tour de Okinawa three times, and the Tour of Japan twice. The Beppu brothers have been a dynamic duo in the cycling world, pushing each other to new heights and inspiring other cyclists with their incredible performances.
They have been a shining example of sportsmanship and teamwork, and have proven that having a sibling who is also an athlete can be a huge benefit in achieving success.
10. Kiyofumi Nagai
Kiyofumi Nagai is a professional track cyclist from Japan who has achieved a great deal of success in his sport. He first gained recognition for his talent when he won a bronze medal in the Keirin race at the 2008 Olympic Games.
This was a major accomplishment for Nagai, as it marked his entrance into the world of competitive cycling. Since then, Nagai has continued to excel in the sport, competing in various national and international events.
He has earned multiple medals for his performances in the Keirin and Sprint events at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships. Nagai has also achieved notable success in the Pan-American Championships, where he won gold in 2009.
Nagai is widely respected among his peers and is considered one of the best track cyclists in the world. He has been featured in various magazines and newspapers, and his accomplishments have earned him the admiration of fans around the globe.
He is a true inspiration for aspiring cyclists and athletes alike, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to amazing results.
11. Yasutaka Tashiro
Yasutaka Tashiro is a former Japanese professional racing cyclist. He was a successful cyclist, winning the national championship twice. He began his professional career after graduating from Josai University in Japan.
Tashiro competed in races across Europe and Asia, riding for the Bridgestone Anchor team. Additionally, he was selected to represent Japan during the 2004 Summer Olympics. After years of successful racing, Tashiro retired in 2007.
He has since been recognized for his accomplishments in the sport and has become an inspiration for young cyclists in Japan.
12. Koichi Nakano
Koichi Nakano of Japan is a renowned professional track cyclist and former world champion.
He is considered to be one of the greatest track sprinters of modern times and holds the remarkable record of having won ten consecutive gold medals at the UCI Track World Championships from 1977 to 1986.
This impressive achievement is unparalleled in the history of track cycling and demonstrates his remarkable skill and dedication to the sport. Nakano’s impressive track cycling career began when he first competed in the UCI Track World Championships in 1977.
Throughout the following ten years, he consistently placed first in the sprint events, making his mark as one of the best track cyclists in the world. His remarkable stamina and skill enabled him to dominate the field and earn himself ten consecutive gold medals.
Nakano’s record of ten consecutive gold medals is a testament to his dedication and skill in the sport. He has achieved a remarkable feat that many track cyclists can only aspire to.
His success is a reminder of the importance of hard work and determination in the pursuit of excellence.
13. Koji Fukushima
Koji Fukushima was a professional racing cyclist from Japan who retired from his career at the end of the 2008 season. He was not the only one in his family to pursue a career in cycling – his brother, Shinichi Fukushima, is also a professional cyclist.
Koji Fukushima was active in the sport for many years, competing in various events. He was a skilled and successful cyclist and achieved notable results in his career. He competed in several races in Japan and around the world, including the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia.
At the end of the 2008 season, Koji Fukushima made the decision to retire from professional cycling. His retirement was met with sadness amongst fans of the sport, who had come to appreciate his skill and determination.
Koji Fukushima’s brother, Shinichi Fukushima, also followed in his footsteps and became a professional cyclist. Shinichi has achieved notable success in the sport and is widely respected as an accomplished racer.
He has competed in several international events, including the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia. Koji and Shinichi Fukushima have both made an impact on the world of cycling.
Their dedication to the sport has been an inspiration to many and they have both achieved great success in their respective careers.
14. Takumi Beppu
Takumi Beppu is a Japanese former racing cyclist who had a successful career in the sport. He is now working as a directeur sportif for UCI Continental team Aisan Racing Team. Takumi’s younger brother, Fumiyuki Beppu, is also a former professional cyclist.
Fumiyuki followed in his brother’s footsteps and has had a successful career of his own, although his achievements have not been as great as Takumi’s. Takumi’s role as a directeur sportif for Aisan Racing Team is to manage and oversee the team’s professional cyclists and to ensure that they are performing at their best.
He is also responsible for helping the team with strategy and preparing them for racing events. Fumiyuki has retired from racing but remains involved in the cycling world.
He is often seen helping with coaching and providing advice to younger riders. Takumi and Fumiyuki Beppu have made a name for themselves in the world of cycling.
Takumi’s experience and knowledge of the sport has made him a valuable asset to Aisan Racing Team and his impact can be seen in the results of the team.
Fumiyuki, on the other hand, is still making an impact on the sport as he helps younger riders develop their skills and achieve success. Both brothers have made a lasting impression on the cycling community and will continue to do so for years to come.
15. Yoshihiro Tsumuraya
Yoshihiro Tsumuraya is a former Japanese cyclist who made a name for himself on the international stage. He competed in the 1984 and 1988 Summer Olympics, as well as the 1986 Asian Games.
At the 1984 Olympics, he placed ninth in the men’s individual road race, and at the 1988 Summer Olympics, he placed fourth in the men’s individual road race. Additionally, he placed fourth in the men’s individual time trial at the 1986 Asian Games.
Throughout his career, Tsumuraya was a well-respected competitor and his accomplishments earned him recognition from the cycling world. He was known for his determination and skill, and his impressive results in international competitions earned him a great deal of renown.
He left a lasting impression on the world of cycling, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.
16. Matsuyoshi Takahashi
Matsuyoshi Takahashi is a former Japanese cyclist who had a distinguished career in the sport. He competed in the individual road race event at the 1984 Summer Olympics and also competed at the 1982 and 1986 Asian Games.
His influence in the cycling world was so great that he was asked to serve as one of the coaches for the Japanese cycling team at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
He was an exemplary athlete and a beloved coach, and his legacy will remain in the world of cycling for many years to come.
17. Masakazu Ito
Masakazu Ito is a professional cyclist from Japan. He is currently riding for and managing the Japanese amateur cycling team, Ciel Bleu Kanoya. Ito is a highly respected cyclist, as he has a remarkable record in the cycling world.
He has won several prestigious races, including the Tour de Japan and the Tour de Okinawa. He is also a highly respected manager, having managed the Ciel Bleu Kanoya team for more than a decade.
As a manager, he has been instrumental in developing the team’s talent and helping them to become one of the top teams in Japan. Ito’s dedication and hard work have led the team to great success, including multiple national championships.
His passion for cycling is evident in the success of the Ciel Bleu Kanoya team, and it is clear that he is a great asset to the team.
18. Kenji Itami
Kenji Itami is a renowned Japanese former professional cyclist. He was born in 1986 in Tokyo, Japan. He started racing in 2005, and in 2009, he won the Tour de Okinawa. Itami was a key figure in the Japanese cycling scene for many years.
He was known for his aggressive style of racing, and for his ability to keep up a high pace for long periods of time. He also had a good eye for tactics, which helped him to succeed in races.
After the Tour de Okinawa, Itami continued to race until 2011, when he retired from professional cycling. He has since become a coach and mentor to many young cyclists in Japan.
He is highly respected in the cycling community and is seen as a role model by many aspiring cyclists.
19. Marino Kobayashi
Marino Kobayashi is a professional cyclist from Japan. He is currently riding for the UCI Continental team Matrix Powertag, which is based in Japan. Kobayashi is known for his strong sprinting abilities and has been competing in the sport since 2010.
He has achieved numerous successes in road cycling, including multiple wins in the Tour of Japan and the Tour of Hokkaido. He has also been a consistent top-ten finisher in the Tour of Japan, consistently placing in the top five.
He is a popular figure in the Japanese cycling community and has become a role model for aspiring cyclists. Kobayashi is highly respected for his dedication to the sport and his commitment to training and is seen as an inspiration for many younger riders.
20. Kohei Uchima
Kohei Uchima is a Japanese cyclist who has had a long and successful career. He first gained international recognition when he was selected to represent Japan in the 2015 UCI Road World Championships.
After this, he spent the next ten years competing in various professional races such as the Bridgestone–Anchor, Nippo–Vini Fantini–Europa Ovini and Team Ukyo. In August 2020, Uchima decided to retire from road cycling in order to pursue a career in Keirin racing.
Keirin racing is a track-based form of bicycle racing where cyclists race against each other in a controlled environment.
Uchima’s decision to retire from road cycling and enter Keirin racing shows his dedication and willingness to take on new challenges. Uchima’s career has been an inspiring one – he has achieved success in both road cycling and Keirin racing, and his dedication to his sport is admirable.
He is an example to aspiring cyclists worldwide, showing that hard work and dedication can pay off.
21. Yudai Arashiro
Yudai Arashiro is a professional cyclist from Japan. He is currently competing for Kinan Cycling Team, a UCI Continental team. This team is part of the UCI World Tour, which is the top level of professional cycling.
As a member of this team, Yudai Arashiro competes in some of the biggest races around the world, such as the Tour de France, Vuelta a España and Giro d’Italia. He is a talented cyclist with a competitive edge and has become a well-respected figure in the cycling world.
He is known for his aggressive and attacking style, as well as his ability to push himself beyond his limits. Yudai Arashiro is an inspiration to many cyclists, both professional and amateur alike.
22. Kazuhiro Mori
Kazuhiro Mori is a former professional cyclist from Japan. He began his career in the early 1990s and competed in a number of road races, including the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia.
During his career, he won a number of races, including the Japan Cup in 1995 and the Tour of Japan in 1996. He retired from professional cycling in 2006 after a successful career in which he had earned a number of prestigious titles.
Since his retirement, he has become an active member in the cycling community and is a regular at local cycling events. He also serves as an inspiration to many aspiring cyclists in Japan, as he is a living example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
23. Mitsuteru Tanaka
Mitsuteru Tanaka was a Japanese cyclist who enjoyed success during his career. He was selected to compete in the individual road race at the 1992 Summer Olympics, and he was also the Japanese national champion in 1992.
During his professional cycling career, Tanaka rode for the Aisan Racing Team, and after he retired from cycling he went on to work for the same team. He served both as team manager and general manager of Aisan, making it his life’s ambition to be the best in the cycling world.
Tanaka’s dedication to the sport is evident in his many accomplishments throughout his career. He will forever be remembered for his commitment to the sport of cycling and his commitment to the Aisan Racing Team.
24. Tomoya Kano
Tomoya Kano is a professional Japanese cyclist who races as part of the UCI Continental team Matrix Powertag. Prior to this, Kano was a member of the Skil–Shimano cycling team for four years, between 2005 and 2008.
During this time, he competed in some of the most prestigious European races, such as the Tour of Flanders in 2006, the E3 Prijs Vlaanderen in 2006, and the Amstel Gold Race in 2005.
Kano’s participation in these events demonstrates his dedication to the sport and his commitment to achieving a high level of success. He continues to strive for excellence and has become a respected figure in the cycling world.
25. Masahiro Yasuhara
Masahiro Yasuhara is a former professional cyclist from Japan. He was a competitor in the men’s points race event at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
After his cycling career, he moved on to become the manager of the UCI Continental team Matrix Powertag, a professional cycling team based in Japan. As a manager, he is responsible for team operations, such as recruitment, sponsorship, and logistics.
He is also in charge of organizing team strategy and developing young riders. Yasuhara has experience as both a competitor and a manager, making him an invaluable asset to the team.
His knowledge and expertise will help the team reach their goals and continue to be a successful part of the cycling community.
26. Ryohei Komori
Ryohei Komori is a professional cyclist from Japan. He is currently riding for UCI Continental team Matrix Powertag, which is an international cycling team. Komori is well known for his success in the sport, having won various races and competitions throughout his career.
He has also represented Japan in the Olympics and other international competitions. His experience and skill on the bike have earned him respect from both his peers and fans alike. Komori is dedicated to the sport and consistently works hard to improve his performance.
His commitment to cycling has made him one of the top riders in the world. Komori is an inspiration to many aspiring cyclists and an example of what can be achieved when one puts in the hard work and dedication.
27. Kyoshi Miura
Kyoshi Miura is an impressive athlete who has achieved remarkable success in the world of cycling. He is a former Japanese cyclist who has achieved a great deal in his career.
He has been crowned the national road race champion eight times and has also raced professionally in Europe.
His success did not end there, as he also represented Japan at various world track championships, and even went on to become a national champion in mountain biking. Miura’s success is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
He has clearly dedicated many years to the sport and has achieved a great deal. His achievements are a great source of pride for the Japanese nation and serve as an inspiration to others who are looking to pursue a career in cycling.
Kyoshi Miura is a true role model for aspiring cyclists.
28. Masamichi Yamamoto
Masamichi Yamamoto is a former professional athlete from Japan. He is best known for his prowess in the sport of cycling.
In his career, he achieved a number of impressive feats, including winning the Japanese National Road Race Championships in 1984 and the Tour de Hokkaido in 1985. He also won the Japan Cup in 1986.
He represented Japan in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where he placed in the top 20 in both events. Yamamoto’s career was cut short due to an injury he suffered in 1989.
However, he still held an impressive record of victories and podium finishes throughout his career. He was an inspiration to many cyclists in Japan and around the world, and his legacy continues to be remembered to this day.
29. Satoshi Hirose
Satoshi Hirose was a professional cyclist from Japan. He was one of the greats of his era, winning numerous competitions and earning many accolades. He was known for his endurance and speed, as well as his ability to stay calm under pressure.
He was also an accomplished sprinter and was often the first across the finish line in any race. Hirose’s career began in the early 1990s. He began competing in local races, quickly making a name for himself in the cycling world.
He eventually joined a professional cycling team, which allowed him to further hone his skills. During this time, he won numerous races, including the Tour de France in 1994. Hirose was also an active member of the Japanese cycling community.
He was involved in the establishment of the Japan Professional Cycling Association (JPCA) and served as its president for several years. Hirose also worked closely with other cycling organizations, such as the Japan Cycling Federation, in order to promote cycling in Japan.
He was an advocate for the rights of cyclists and was instrumental in getting the Japanese government to recognize the importance of the sport. Hirose retired from professional cycling in 2006, but his legacy still lives on.
He was an inspiration to many cyclists in Japan and around the world, and his influence can still be seen today. He will always be remembered for his dedication to the sport and his passion for cycling.
30. Masahiro Ishigami
Masahiro Ishigami is an accomplished Japanese cyclist who currently competes for the UCI Continental team Aisan Racing Team.
In 2019, he had the opportunity to join the team as a stagiaire, which is a temporary, unpaid position usually taken by riders who are looking for the chance to prove themselves and gain experience in the professional cycling world.
After his successful stint with Aisan Racing Team, Ishigami was offered a contract with the French UCI ProTeam Nippo–Delko–One Provence in 2020.
This signing also allowed Ishigami to be reunited with his fellow Japanese cyclists, Fumiyuki Beppu, Atsushi Oka, and Hideto Nakane, who are all part of the Nippo–Delko–One Provence lineup.
31. Genki Yamamoto
Genki Yamamoto is a professional cyclist from Japan. He is currently riding for the UCI Continental team Kinan Racing Team.
This team is a Japanese professional cycling team that competes in the UCI Continental Circuits, which is one of the five divisions of professional cycling. The team competes in a variety of races, including stage races, one-day races, and criteriums.
Yamamoto is an experienced cyclist, having competed in several races over the past few years. He has had a number of successes, including winning the Japanese National Criterium Championships in 2017.
He has also competed in events such as the Tour de France, Vuelta a España, and Tour of Japan, all of which are considered some of the toughest races in the world.
As a result of his impressive performances, he has earned a place on the Kinan Racing Team, which is one of the most successful teams in the UCI Continental Circuits. Genki Yamamoto is a talented cyclist and is sure to have a bright future ahead of him.
32. Kazushige Kuboki
Kazushige Kuboki is an accomplished professional racing cyclist from Japan. He is currently competing for UCI Continental team Team Bridgestone Cycling.
His impressive track record includes a win at the 2015 Japanese National Road Race Championships and success at the 2015 UCI Track Cycling World Championships and the 2014 Asian Games. His impressive accomplishments demonstrate his passion and dedication to the sport of cycling.
Kazushige is a passionate and dedicated athlete who is always striving to reach higher levels of success. His commitment to excellence is evident in his performance at major events, such as the 2015 UCI Track Cycling World Championships and the 2014 Asian Games.
His success at the Japanese National Road Race Championships in June 2015 further demonstrates his commitment and dedication to the sport. Kazushige’s success is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport of cycling.
His commitment to the sport has enabled him to achieve a level of success that few athletes are able to reach. His accomplishments have inspired and motivated other cyclists to strive for success in their own careers.
Kazushige Kuboki is an exemplary athlete who has achieved success in the sport of cycling through his hard work and dedication. His impressive accomplishments have made him an inspiration to other athletes, and he is a role model to aspiring cyclists everywhere.
33. Atsushi Oka
Atsushi Oka is a professional cyclist from Japan who competes at the UCI Continental level. He is currently racing for the JCL Team Ukyo, which is a cycling team sponsored by a Japanese sports clothing company.
Oka has been racing professionally since 2013 and is considered one of the most experienced riders on the team. He has competed in several UCI races, including the Tour of Japan, Tour of Korea, Tour of Thailand, and Tour of China.
He has also raced in the Tour of Japan and Tour de France. Oka has achieved success in several of these races, including a second-place finish in the Tour of Thailand and a third-place finish in the Tour of China.
He is known for his strong work ethic and his commitment to training and racing. Oka is an inspirational figure in the Japanese cycling community and is a role model for aspiring professional cyclists.
34. Junya Sano
Junya Sano is a professional road bicycle racer from Japan. He is currently riding for the Matrix Powertag cycling team. Sano has been an active cyclist since a young age, and his determination and passion for the sport have earned him a spot on a team of competitive riders.
Sano is an experienced athlete and has competed in several races around the world, including the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia. He is a strong climber and excels in challenging terrain, which makes him an excellent addition to the Matrix Powertag team.
His skills and expertise in cycling have been recognized by his peers and have earned him a place in the team. As a professional cyclist, Sano is dedicated to improving his performance and pushing himself to his limits.
He takes part in regular training sessions and follows a strict diet to ensure he is in peak physical condition. Sano is also dedicated to providing support and guidance to his teammates and helping them achieve success.
He is an inspiration to the cycling world and is a valuable asset to the Matrix Powertag team.
35. Keitaro Sawada
Keitaro Sawada is a professional Japanese racing cyclist who is currently signed with the Sparkle Ōita Racing Team, an amateur Japanese team. He is a highly accomplished athlete and has achieved notable success in the cycling world.
In 2018, he was part of the men’s team pursuit event at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships, which is one of the most prestigious cycling events in the world.
This event featured some of the greatest riders from all over the world, with Sawada being the sole representative of Japan. His performance at the event was impressive, as he was able to compete against some of the best riders in the world.
As a result, he gained a lot of recognition and admiration for his accomplishments. Sawada’s success in cycling has made him a respected figure in the sport and has inspired many other Japanese cyclists to strive for success.
36. Shinri Suzuki
Shinri Suzuki was a professional cyclist from Japan who competed in various races around the world. He began his racing career when he was only sixteen years old and competed in his first world championship in 1996.
He was the first Japanese cyclist to win the world championship in 1997. He continued to compete in various races including the Vuelta a Espana, Giro d’Italia, and Criterium du Dauphine. Throughout his career, Shinri Suzuki earned several accolades.
He was the Japanese National Road Race Champion in 2001 and 2002 and was the Japanese National Time Trial Champion in 2002. In addition, he was the Asian Champion in the Road Race in 2003 and 2004.
He also won the gold medal in the Team Time Trial at the Asian Games in 2002. In 2006, Shinri Suzuki retired from professional cycling. Since then, he has become a successful entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of “Yamaguchi Cycling,” a bike shop located in Tokyo.
He is also the founder of “Shinri Cycling,” a cycling team that competes in various races across Japan. Shinri Suzuki is an inspiring figure in the world of cycling. He has shown that it is possible to achieve great success and follow one’s dreams, even after retirement.
He has also left an indelible mark on the sport of cycling through his accomplishments and dedication.
37. Sho Hatsuyama
Sho Hatsuyama is a renowned former professional cyclist who has had a successful career in the sport. Born in Japan, Hatsuyama began his professional cycling career in 2011, riding for the Utsunomiya Blitzen team.
After a successful spell with Utsunomiya, he moved to the Bridgestone–Anchor team in 2013, where he remained until 2017. In 2018, he switched teams once again and joined the Nippo–Vini Fantini–Faizanè team, where he raced until he retired from professional cycling in 2019.
Throughout his career, Hatsuyama was known for his strong work ethic and endurance, making him a formidable opponent on the track.
He was also known for his commitment to the sport and his willingness to try new things, helping to make him one of the most popular riders in Japan.
Hatsuyama’s career in cycling will forever be remembered as an incredible journey and an example of dedication and passion for the sport.
38. Shinpei Fukuda
Shinpei Fukuda is a professional road cyclist from Japan who is currently signed to the UCI Continental team Kinan Cycling Team.
He is a dedicated athlete who has worked hard to reach his current level of success. Fukuda began his cycling career at a young age and has since developed into a talented road cyclist. He has competed in numerous races throughout Japan and has achieved many impressive results.
His most notable accomplishment was winning the overall title at the 2018 Tour de Kyushu. Fukuda is currently a part of the Kinan Cycling Team, one of the top UCI Continental teams in Japan.
The team consists of some of the most talented cyclists in the country and is dedicated to competing at the highest level.
Alongside his team, Fukuda has had the opportunity to compete in some of the biggest races around the world, such as the Tour de France. Fukuda is an incredibly talented athlete and has the potential to achieve great things in the future.
With his dedication to improving and evolving as a cyclist, as well as the support of his team, the sky is the limit for Shinpei Fukuda.
39. Hayato Yoshida
Hayato Yoshida is a former professional Japanese cyclist who has left a lasting impression on the cycling world. He was a member of the UCI Continental team Matrix Powertag, the top-ranked cycling team in Japan.
He had a successful career as a cyclist, competing in many major races such as the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia. During his time with Matrix Powertag, he was one of their most successful riders, winning several stages and ranking in the top 10 of the UCI Japan Tour.
He was also a consistent top-10 finisher in the UCI World Tour. Yoshida was known for his strength and endurance, as well as his ability to stay focused and motivated.
After retiring from professional cycling, he has become a cycling coach, helping to develop the next generation of Japanese cyclists.
40. Yasuharu Nakajima
Yasuharu Nakajima is a former professional cyclist from Japan. He was a member of the UCI Continental team Kinan Racing Team.
His most notable achievements include winning a stage at the HC-classified Tour of Hainan and winning the overall classification twice in a row at the Tour of Thailand.
This is an impressive accomplishment, as the Tour of Hainan is a highly competitive race and the Tour of Thailand is an incredibly difficult race to win twice in a row.
Nakajima has proved himself to be an experienced and talented cyclist, and his accomplishments are certainly worth noting.
Conclusion
Japan has some of the best cycling players in the world. Their strong commitment to the sport, dedication to training, and focus on technique have allowed them to achieve great success.
With the help of strong support from their coaches, sponsors, and the Japanese Cycling Federation, Japanese athletes continue to make a mark in the world of competitive cycling.
