The 2024 Utsunomiya Japan Cup Cycle Road Race, sponsored by Subaru Levorg, will bring together some of the world’s top cycling talent in Japan next October. The event, which is Asia’s highest-ranked one-day race and the only Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) ProSeries event in Japan, is set to take place over three days from Friday, October 18 to Sunday, October 20 in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture.
The race, renowned as a “sanctuary” of Japanese road racing, will feature elite riders from across the globe. This year, the organisers have officially included “Utsunomiya” in the tournament’s name to reflect the city’s long-standing association with the sport.
World-Class Cyclists Set to Compete
Some of the world’s most successful teams will be participating in the 2024 edition of the race. From the UCI WorldTeams – the highest level of professional cycling – seven top-tier teams are set to compete:
- Team Jayco AlUla (Australia)
- Astana Qazaqstan Team (Kazakhstan)
- Team Bahrain Victorious (Bahrain)
- Cofidis (France)
- EF Education-EasyPost (USA)
- Lidl-Trek (USA)
- Soudal Quick-Step (Belgium)
Among the star riders confirmed for the race are Britain’s Simon Philip Yates, representing Team Jayco AlUla. Yates, who has multiple stage victories in grand tours and is consistently ranked among the sport’s top riders, will be a key name to watch. Former world champion Mads Pedersen, representing Lidl-Trek, is also among the big names set to line up in Utsunomiya.
Additionally, Gleb Brussenskiy of Astana Qazaqstan Team, who will be wearing the Asian champion’s jersey, and Neilson Powless from EF Education-EasyPost, the winner of the Japan Cup two years ago, are expected to bring their A-game to this year’s event. Japan’s own Yukiya Arashiro, a highly respected rider from Team Bahrain Victorious, will represent the country on home soil, adding to the excitement for local fans.
Exciting Lineup of Teams
Beyond the UCI WorldTeams, several UCI ProTeams – cycling’s second division – will also be competing. These include Israel-Premier Tech (Israel), Lotto Dstny (Belgium), and Team Novo Nordisk (USA), ensuring a highly competitive field. Each team will be bringing a roster of accomplished riders, with hopes of taking home the coveted title.
Utsunomiya: The Heart of Japanese Road Racing
The Utsunomiya Japan Cup has a deep-rooted history in Japanese cycling. Since its inception, it has grown into one of Asia’s premier cycling events, attracting top international talent and drawing passionate fans. Utsunomiya, located around 100km north of Tokyo, has become synonymous with the event, which is famed for its challenging courses and enthusiastic atmosphere.
The event is expected to be broadcast online, allowing cycling fans around the world to tune in to watch the action unfold. The organisers hope to build on the race’s reputation, which continues to grow in prestige both in Japan and globally.
As anticipation builds for the event, the participation of high-profile riders and teams will undoubtedly set the stage for a thrilling edition of the Utsunomiya Japan Cup in 2024.
