10/ 09 Oita Stage Race Report

 

Mynavi Tour de Kyushu Stage 3

On October 9, 2023, the Mynavi Tour de Kyushu 2023 concluded with the 3rd and final stage in Ōita. In the closing stages of the race, Declan Trezise (ARA Skip Capital) secured victory from a breakaway group of three, while Andrei Zeitz (Astana Kazakhstan) defended his overall individual general classification lead to become the inaugural champion.

 

The Ōita Stage, which marked the final day of the event, covered a distance of 129 km from the Autopolis to Ōhara Hachimangū Shrine. At the 9.3 km mark, Naoki Kojima (Team Bridgestone Cycling), wearing the points classification jersey, won the first sprint within the Autopolis’ circuit, accumulating more points.

 

 

In the early part of the race where there was a wet downhill section, Yūhi Todome (EF Education Nippo Development Team), who was in third place overall, suffered a crash and had to retire from the race.

Initiated by the ascent of the 4th category mountain pass at 24 km, 22 riders broke away. Following the 3rd category mountain point at Tenze (42.8 km), which was the last mountain classification of the day, Benjamin Dyball (Victoire Hiroshima), Ryan Cavanagh (Kinan Racing Team), and Declan Trezise (ARA Skip Capital) emerged as the front trio.

 

 

The main peloton, led by Astana Kazakhstan, was chasing at a gap of approximately two minutes. Dyball, who was 54 seconds behind in 7th place overall, became the virtual leader at this point. Even as they entered the circuit course in the city of Hita, the trio at the front continued to maintain a strong lead.

Despite efforts from the chasing group, which grew in numbers with participation from Astana, JCL TEAM UKYO, and Utsunomiya Blitzen, they couldn’t catch the three leaders.

 

 

The battle among the trio for the stage victory saw Trezise take the victory, with Cavanagh securing 2nd place and Dyball finishing 3rd, just 2 seconds behind. The chasing group, closing in within 8 seconds, witnessed Hayato Okamoto (Aisan Racing Team) cross the line in 4th place. Zeitz, who finished in this group, secured his overall individual general classification victory.

 

 

The points classification battle remained intense as Dyball’s presence in the breakaway kept things uncertain, but Kojima managed to retain his lead after finishing 9th on this stage.

Benjamin Prades-Reverte (JCL TEAM UKYO) successfully held on to the mountain classification, and William Eaves (ARA Skip Capital), who finished 3rd overall, secured the best young rider classification.

 

Stage 3 Results

1st – Declan Trezise (ARA Skip Capital) – 2 hours 57 minutes 32 seconds

2nd – Ryan Cavanagh (Kinan Racing Team)

3rd – Benjamin Dyball (Victoire Hiroshima) +2 seconds

 

Overall Individual General Classification

1st – Andrei Zeitz (Astana Kazakhstan) – 9 hours 13 minutes 30 seconds

2nd – Antonio Nibali (Astana Kazakhstan) +25 seconds

3rd – William Eeves (ARA Skip Capital) +33 seconds

 

Stage Winner Declan Trezise: “We executed the team’s plan to win, and I’m delighted. I have confidence in sprinting, and it’s been a great week. I’d love to come back next year.”

 

 

Overall Individual General Classification Winner Andrei Zeitz: “Today, my teammates chased down the breakaway of three, which allowed me to secure the overall victory. It’s my first time coming to Japan, and I’m very happy. I also want to express my gratitude to the organizers for making this race happen. I love Japan.”

 

 

2nd Place Overall Antonio Nibali (Astana Kazakhstan): “It was a challenging race to control, but I’m glad we fought as a team and secured 2nd place overall.”

 

 

Best Young Rider and 3rd Place Overall William Eaves (ARA Skip Capital): “I’m happy to reclaim the jersey. I’d love to come back to race in Japan someday!”

 

 

Points Classification Leader Naoki Kojima: “I’m relieved to have retained the points classification after the race. Winning the intermediate sprint at Autopolis today was crucial. The Tour de Kyushu was a special event, being held in my home region for the first time. I approached it with great enthusiasm. I was able to win the criterium and Stage 1, which was a big success for us. I want to continue participating as long as I’m an active cyclist.”

 

 

Mountain Classification Winner Benjamin Prades-Reverte: “I had aimed for the overall victory, so it’s disappointing, but I’m happy to have won the mountain classification. Despite it being my first time racing here, it was very well organized, and I enjoyed the race.”