Bahrain Victorious in ‘The Land of the Rising Sun’ for the 32nd Japan Cup
# Bahrain Victorious Shines at the 32nd Japan Cup in Utsunomiya
Since its inception in 1993, the Japan Cup has become a cornerstone of professional cycling in East Asia, drawing enthusiastic fans and top-tier teams from around the globe. Located in the heart of the “bicycle city” of Utsunomiya, the 32nd Japan Cup promises to deliver yet another memorable experience, despite the pandemic interruptions in 2020 and 2021.
With activities kicking off this Friday with the traditional team presentations, the cycling festival will culminate in the main event on Sunday. Over 100,000 spectators are expected to fill the stands, celebrating the vibrant culture of cycling that the Japan Cup embodies.
The competitive lineup features an impressive array of teams: six UCI WorldTeams, four UCI ProTeams, eight UCI Continental teams, and six home-nation riders. Bahrain Victorious enters the event with a potent duo at the helm – Lenny Martinez and Afonso Eulálio – as articulated by Sports Director Michal Golaś. He notes, “I think we are competitive, seeing how Lenny came back in the second part of the season. He was in the mix at Lombardy, and we will give full support to him and also to Afonso, who at the end of a long season has proved he’s in good shape.”
With high hopes of reaching the podium once more—after Matej Mohorič’s impressive third-place finish last year—the support from Bahrain’s team will be critical. Golaś elaborates on the squad, mentioning the importance of experienced rider Torstein Træen: “I think he will be very important for us to guide these two boys.”
The route for the grand finale, the “Utsunomiya Japan Cup Road Race,” presents a significant challenge, spanning 144.2 kilometers across 14 laps of the tough 10.3-kilometer circuit, featuring 14 climbs of the notoriously demanding Mt. Kogashi (1.4 km with an average gradient of 7.7%). Golaś highlights the race’s complexity, stating, “The race itself is 14 laps and is pretty selective… We need to be ready from the start.”
As the race approaches, Bahrain’s strategy is clear: maintain control in the opening phase to facilitate a strong selection in the latter stages. With their sights set on the podium, the team’s resolve reflects the broader spirit of competition that the Japan Cup inspires. As one of the few remaining major events of the season, Sunday’s race signals not only the tail end of a long journey but also an exceptional opportunity to showcase resilience and skill in front of enthusiastic crowds.
