By Lee Rodgers
The start of the 2009 J-Tour Challenge kicks off with the first race of the series in Gunma Prefecture near Tokyo on April 26. The 12-race series will see Japan's professional cycling outfits battle it out for top honours alongside a choice selection of the country's top amateur teams.
Last year's series winner Tomoya Kano (Skil-Shimano) has his hopes set on a tilt at the title once again, yet the 35-year-old's mediocre showing at the recent Tour of Taiwan suggests that he has some work yet to do if he is to have a chance of a repeat. The Skil team's two-time national road race champion, climber Hidenori Nodera will also be hoping to snatch a victory or two. The retention of another two-time series winner, veteran Shinri Suzuki, demonstrates the Skil team's depth.
Asian Racing Team boss Nakane Kenji has high expectations for his squad of eight riders this season. "We'll be concentrating on the Asian Tour this year primarily, but we'll be represented at Gunma. We have some new faces who will be expected to perform," he told Cyclingnews.
"He's the man we'll be looking to," said team manager Nobihito Kubo. "He's a fantastic all-rounder, and he's got the speed necessary for the hilly courses here."
New Bridgestone member Shinpei Fukuda will be looking to live up to the early promise he showed with his resounding victory in last year's Hiroshima Cup. He defeated an experienced field with a blistering sprint.
