Its about to start the biggest race in Japan: Mito - Tokyo.
   This is a Classic of Division 2, but as wanted as any Classic of Division 1... for some even more, and the name that immediately pops up is that of Susumu Miyazaki.
   We have the pleasure to announce that Susu accepted an invitation to gives us an interview regarding this season's Mito - Tokyo.
  
   Susu, what a career you have had... many seasons consistently performing at a high level for Hommerts Cycling Team but Mito - Tokyo always escaped.
   "Indeed... at HTC I was very happy and very lucky to have a team which the only goal was to offer me the best possible support. I replied with results and was the almost undisputed Japan Champion for several seasons, but could never win Mito - Tokyo.... I think its a curse.
   With HTC I participated in Mito - Tokyo several times and finished 15th, 13th, 13th again, and finally my first result with a 5th place... that was in my best years of cycling."
  
   But you still had more chances, racing for Asymm Project...
   "I did, two more chances... first I matched my best result there: a 5th place,

and then guess what? a awful 20th place..."
  
   Its for sure a curse... but not only for you right? all Japaneses seem to be cursed...
   "Well I can only speak for myself... last season Tadaki Ko broke my record and finished 4th, so it might be possible for a Japanese to win it... it will just not be me unfortunately..."
  
   Why do you say that? at the age of 32 you can still ride with the best!
   "Nah, I feel my legs getting weak... at Türkiye Cycling Team, my current team, things have not been perfect... I'm in bad shape I don't know what to do to reverse it... I think the turkish food is to blame."
  
   All cycling fans would love to see you having a final shot at Mito - Tokyo.
   It won't however be this season, but who knows? maybe next!
   Anyways, what do you think of the field this season?
   "Not a single Japanese present... too bad, I want some Japanese to win it, even if its not me. Tadaki Ko could be the men if he was present, I talked with him at Lozuvatka - Kryvyi Rih (WT) where I went to support the national team and he was really looking forward

to become the first Japanese winner...
   Anyways, without Ko I would place my money in Philip Plagge (ultrajectum), Damario Barba (Luveaucek) and Chaleunsouk Souvanhno (Equipo Easy On).
   I would be very happy if Andres Lerma (Hommerts Cycling Team) could get the victory, but chances are small because after the three names I said already there are plenty of nice sprinters...
   David Pires (mirabelle), Spiridon Apetri (HC Alpine), Jan Thomsen (blast), Jan-Olof Holm (Rigana), Kristoph Villumsen (Darkwave Recordings), Jacinto Aldeia (Onie), Didrik Jønsen (Dingetjes), Sven-Erik Häggberg (Simoni crew), Salvador Yocemento (nonnies) and Joost Paschiers (Stroopwafel) will be there and we must keep an eye in them, and there's also Sabri Rasim (Manisaspor) who's a great sprinter and does not have the problems I have with turkish food haha.
   In my opinion those are the favorites, and a break away will be difficult but who knows!"
  
   Thank you so much Susu, and the best luck for you and your team... hope to see you again in good shape soon.
  
  
  Written by freelancer Bruce Banner to OCM Magazine