After two days in Shanghai rich in tourist and cultural discoveries, the riders flew to Saitama, Japan, which has hosted the Tour de France for 5 years now. A new guest straight from England was waiting for them – Mark Cavendish, the man with 30 victories at the Tour – present for the very first time at the Japanese event.
A LAST WALK IN CHINA
Before joining the Land of the Rising Sun, the cyclists had two full days to enjoy the riches of the city of Shanghai. Megapolis with 30 million inhabitants and many faces, Shanghai requires a program of methodical visits. Petr Vakoc was lost in the alleys of the old town with his little brother: “a moment out of time a few hundred meters from the skyscrapers” commented the Czech rider. While families, like that of Amaël Moinard came with his two little boys or Warren Barguil, have preferred the new Disneyland Park on the outskirts of the city.
NEXT STOP: TOKYO
It was in two waves that the riders left Shanghai yesterday to join the Japanese capital, where they will soon discover the new circuit of the Tour de France Saitama Critérium. After a good hour’s ride under the sparkling lights of the city, the bus stopped in the heart of Saitama, a new city north of Tokyo along the Arakawa River, where the hotel is located. The welcome of the Japanese has not failed in its reputation: pennants adorning the city, bicycles hanging in the bars and restaurants of the neighborhood, fans at the foot of the hotel … The passion of the Japanese for this unmissable event is once again. Right out of the airport numerous fans were there to welcome the champions of the Tour de France and also mascot El Diablo which made multiple autographs and selfies.
PORT AND TOURISM, UNDER THE SUN
Before discovering the activities tomorrow concocted by their hosts, the riders had the opportunity to visit the city on Thursday. The two Cannondale-Drapac teammates, Rigoberto Uran and Simon Clarke, took a train to Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, to discover temples and shrines inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Kenny Elissonde headed for Shibuya, Tokyo’s central district, a symbol of modern Japanese culture, which he dreamed of discovering. For others, the day was dedicated to sport. Simon Geschke and Johannes Fröhlinger went for a swim at the sports complex near the hotel, while Chris Froome went around to find the area by bike.
YOKOSO, MARK-SAN
A new champion will make his arrival on the scene in the evening to participate in the Saitama Criterium for the first time Saturday. And he is certainly one of the most emblematic runners of the Tour de France. With 30 victories on the race between 2008 and 2016, Mark Cavendish won the green jersey in the points classification in 2011 and even endorsed for one day the yellow jersey of leader in 2016. The confrontation during the Challenge Sprints between Marcel Kittel , Nikias Arndt and Mark Cavendish are already epic.
BEPPU AND ARASHIRO AT HOME
Mark Cavendish is not the only one to join Saitama’s motorcade as the two Japanese Yukiya Arashiro and Fumiyuki Beppu have also joined the band. True stars here, they are none the less champions of the Tour since they became both in 2009 the first Japanese to finish the race. Respectively riders for the Bahrain-Merida and Trek-Segafredo teams, they will ally Saturday under the colors of the “Tour de France Japan Team” to try to get a first victory in the race.
