The Tour of the Sanreizan is named for Japan's three holy mountains: Mt Haku, Mt Tateyama, and Japan's highest mountain and one of the most recognizable mountains in the world, Mt Fuji. The race will eventually take in these three peaks, punishing all but the strongest climbers. Today, however, those riders can take it easy as the sprinters are tested.
Starting in the center of Nagoya, one of Japan's biggest cities, ...
Read moreThe Tour of the Sanreizan is named for Japan's three holy mountains: Mt Haku, Mt Tateyama, and Japan's highest mountain and one of the most recognizable mountains in the world, Mt Fuji. The race will eventually take in these three peaks, punishing all but the strongest climbers. Today, however, those riders can take it easy as the sprinters are tested.
Starting in the center of Nagoya, one of Japan's biggest cities, the peloton will make its way west, aiming for the historical capital of imperial Japan, Kyoto.
The route on this first stage is relatively flat, with just a small amount of climbing early on as the riders pass close to the ski resort of Mt Gozaisho. The riders who aren't working hard at the front of the peloton will be able to enjoy smooth, flat roads and beautiful Japanese countryside.
Things will kick into high gear as they enter Kyoto, the route becoming more technical as the roads narrow. Each team will be looking to get their leader into the best position for the final sprint.
Entering Kyoto from the east, the peloton will take in a small selection of the city's touristic spots. They will pass the Kiyomizu-dera temple before heading north along the Kamo river, and into the Gion district, famed for its geishas.
A few sharp turns will see the peloton heading south, past Kyoto's imperial palace, and towards the finish line in front of the city's magnificent modernist train station and the Kyoto Tower.
