Saitama Criterium by Le Tour de France 2014

The international road bike race “Saitama criterium” was held at the Saitama city last October, and this year it has become certain that the race will be held at the end of October.
The Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) of France that makes joint sponsorship with the Saitama city, has signed the basic contract agreement on March 22 to conduct the event.  

The participation of the top professionals can be seen only in the Japan Cup conducted at Utsunomiya, because there was no major road bike race in Japan.
http://www.japancup.gr.jp/2013/
However, the team that obtained good results in the Tour de France assembled in “Saitama criterium” held for the first time in Saitama City last year, and sprinted the whole town of Japan. 

http://saitama-criterium.jp/

The following people can be seen in one roof in that event.

Maillot Jaune   Christopher Froome

Maillot Vert Peter Sagan

Christophe Riblon who controlled the 18th stage (L'Alpe-d'Huez)

 

Rui Costa - Road world championship 2013 Elite Men Road Race champion

About 200,000 people crowded along the route, and made the event a great and roaring success.

I am extremely happy to listen to the holding of the even this year.

It is good if the road bike population of Japan increases by this event, too.

The team that arrived in Japan, participated in the practice of sumo wrestling by the high school students, went to the bonsai park, and had a good time in Japan, with the arrangement done by the sponsors.

They should more be happier to come next year as well.

The following players came to Japan once, and started to like Japan.

Ivan Basso

Damiano Cunego

Daniel Martin

Robbie McEwen

 I wish that the players who like Japan to increase at least by one among the players who come to Japan many times.

It refrain from writing about the good points of Japan as I think that the payers who came here would convey that to their colleagues.