Bahrain Victorious concluded the Japan Cup with a strong performance, as Matej Mohorič secured a podium finish, taking third place in a five-rider sprint behind Neilson Powless of EF Education-EasyPost and Ilan Van Wilder of Soudal Quick-Step.

The 141-kilometer race in Utsunomiya featured 14 laps of a 10.2-kilometer circuit, with a 185-meter elevation gain per lap, including the Mt. Kogashi climb. With three laps to go, a strong group of five riders broke away on the climb, and Mohorič was part of the move. He battled hard in the finale, ultimately sprinting to third place.

Mohorič reflected on his performance:

“I was feeling pretty good today. It was a super hard race from the start, with plenty of attacks and very aggressive racing, without a moment to relax, especially with it being a relatively short race. When Woods (IPT) made his move two-thirds into the race, it was just down to the five of us. We came together into the sprint, with a lot of attacks in the last 2 km. I tried to play my cards right, but I lacked a bit of speed to go with Powless, who proved to be the strongest and deservedly won. Still, I am happy with my performance. The season is finished now, but I can take this good result into the off-season and prepare well for 2025.”

After the race, SD Franco Pellizotti added:

“In the end, it’s not a bad result. With three laps to go, five strong riders made a move on the climb and managed to ride clear. Matej did well to stay in contention and secure third place, which is a positive way to close the season.”