Marco Canola just took the victory in the criterium of Japan Cup which took place earlier today.
The Italian rider is currently a member of the Italian Pro Continental cycling team that has also Japanese backing. He was able to clearly triumph in the sprint segment of the 38.25 km course soon after a messy, intense and dynamic final kilometer.
As for LottoNL-Jumbo’s rider, Juan Jose Lobato, he ended up in the second place, while third place went to BMC stagier, Bram Welten.
Sadly, during the last segment of the race, Canola had to face a mechanical issue that made him get back in contention before increasing his efforts to catch up with his rivals through an intense sprint.
“I had a mechanical problem and, given the short length of the race, I changed bikes quickly and I was able, fortunately, to get back into the peloton and in the wheels until the final lap,” Canola said.
“Covering the circuit multiple times, we were able to study it, and I took the last bend in fourth place and I launched my sprint early. Holding it to the line with hard but fortunately I had enough in the legs to finish it off.”
Richie Porte is back!
However, one of the today’s event biggest news have to do with Porte. Richie Porte marked his first appearance and is now back on the road since he overcame a dramatic crash during stage 9 of the Tour de France on July.
Despite the weather was great to race again at #japancup2017, thanks to the awesome fans for braving the weather! Roll on 2018 ? @TDWsport pic.twitter.com/PmdsU1JapM
— Richie Porte (@richie_porte) October 22, 2017
The Australian pro cyclist suffered a broken collarbone and a broken pelvis. “It was a fast criterium, and the weather wasn’t the best, but it was nice to get back on the bike and ride with the guys,” Porte said. He also added that today’s race was a fun one and that is good to come back with no pressure.
“For me, it was also nice to be part of Alberto Contador’s last race. We were teammates for one year, and it was kind of cool to be part of that. For us as a team, Bram Welten was good and finished third, and Danilo Wyss looked strong when he attacked. It was a nice way to start our time in Japan. It was a bit of an opener for tomorrow. I have to be realistic about tomorrow. It is a hard race, and my main goal will be to cross the finish line.”