The Cav’ fires straight for his first one in Saitama
November 4 th 2017 - 10:15
ONE LAST LAP OF HONOUR
“People, people, people everywhere”. Mark Cavendish was amazed when he got off the bus this morning. City host of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Saitama had its heart set on unveiling the brand new Criterium circuit for this 5th edition. And the result was up to everyone’s expectations. At the middle of a circuit built as a giant track, the riders discovered a friendly and sunny paddock where a July atmosphere was reigning. Giant picnic, checked tablecloth à la française, kids cheering and looking for their idols, Japan hosts the Tour de France with what characterizes it best: a celebration for all generations, devoted to sharing and proximity. Cheered by an audience worthy of a Tour de France Grand Depart, the riders played the game of the lap of honour, one of their last opportunity to feel the support of their Japanese fans before leaving Japan tomorrow.
NO TIME OFF FOR THE BRAVES
The first team to take charge of action on the main race was Tour de France winner Team Sky. Shortly after the start, Michal Kwiatkowski, 2014 World Champion, tried his luck at the front before being caught with his companions. His fellow countryman Golas immediately reacted, carrying with him Tom Van Asbroeck, Nathan Haas, Michael Schar and Fumiyuki Beppu, to form the first durable breakaway of the day, 15 laps from the finish. In Team Sunweb and Cannondale-Drapac sights, their lead would not exceed 20’’ before being caught 10 kilometres later. Once the bunch was packed together again, a handful of riders expressed their intention not to get bored for too long. An acceleration orchestrated by BMC blew a wave of panic in the peloton that started to explode and disorganise, allowing Fumi Beppu to take a few metres lead before handing over to Rigoberto Uran and Greg Van Avermaet, eager to go for a wander at the front just like Chris Froome and Warren Barguil that quickly joined them.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AGAINST THE CAV?
Maintaining a lead of fifteen or so, the quartet got on pretty well until the three last laps when Barguil and Froome decided to move, seeing the peloton coming back at a brisk pace. But Cavendish’s Team Dimension Data had a different take on the final scenario. The Cav warned everyone this morning, he came to Saitama with a precise idea. Looking for trouble with Kittel on each one of the intermediate sprints and offering the audience a summit fight for green jersey, he liberated all the energy he got from the cheering audience.
When the last lap bell rung, Barguil had dropped yellow jersey Chris Froome and was going for a solo run. It was without taking into account the determination of Cav’s lead-out men. 450 metres from the line, Barguil had no choice but go back to the peloton and attend the sprint lesson given by Cavendish who raised a proud arm when crossing the line, a few wheels before Fumi Beppu and national champion from Team Ukyo Yusuke Hatanaka. At home, Fumiyuki Beppu was a bit disappointed he could not offer the success to his audience but “hey, what can you do against the Cav?”, he smiled back to the tent. The latter was wandering in the alleys like dazed by the love of the Japanese spectators. “It was my first time in Japan and I enjoyed it so much. All way round the circuit were friendly and welcoming people. I’ll come back, for sure”. The date is set.
SPEEDY KITTEL
Before the main race, the day started with a sprint competition. One whole circuit lap and the last one kilometre straight line to qualify for the finale. Four by four, three groups of Asian and occidental riders challenged each other in a tight competition. If Marcel Kittel, Nikias Arndt and Mark Cavendish got qualified in their rounds, young Japanese rider Jin Okubo sprung the surprise by defeating Classic expert Tom Van Asbroeck and Olympic champion and Paris-Roubaix winner Greg Van Avermaet. During the finale round, though, he could not resist the power of Marcel Kittel, who kept everyone at bay.
THE CHRONO MASTERS ARE JAPANESE
At the time of the team time trial race, the track and field Japanese expertise spoke. Threatened by the Tour de France riders, Team Utsonomia Blitzen held the top of the table until the end, defeating the actual World Champion Team Sunweb for 2 seconds and former World Champion Team BMC Racing. Team Sky, which was made of Chris Froome, Michal Golas and Kenny Elissonde had to settle for 7th position, 12” after the Japanese formation.