Team Bahrain Victorious is all set to take on the 30th edition of the Japan Cup. The 164.8 km road race that starts and finishes in Utsunomiya comprises 16 laps of a 10.3km course, featuring the Mt Kogashi climb, which drives the total elevation to 3,000 meters.

Yuki Arashiro is back on home roads, bringing his experience to a young team. Hermann Pernsteiner will finish his time with the team at this race and look to put in a final strong display. Young Italian duo Buratti and Zambanini will lead the team looking to take a result at the race. Finally, Sergio Tu rounds up the five-rider line-up, who is back racing with the team after a strong performance in the ITT at the Summer Asian Games.

Sports Director Franco Pellizotti believes Buratti has the potential to get a result in the race following his recent good form. “We have a good team, and Buratti has shown good shape, which he demonstrated at Lombardia and Croatia. When he is in this condition, we will try to get a result. With it being Hermann’s last race with our team, there is no doubt he will be aiming to get a good result here, too. Sergio Tu will certainly be looking to get into a breakaway while we have the experience of our Japanese rider, Yukiya Arashiro, on home roads, who will no doubt be looking for a great result. 

There are seven WorldTour teams here, so for sure, it’s not going to be easy to get a result, but I’ve spoken with the guys, and they are all highly motivated to put in a good race and try to get a result.”