October 14th – Fukuoka Stage Race Report
Mynavi Tour de Kyushu 2024 – Fukuoka Stage (Stage 3)
The final stage of Mynavi Tour de Kyushu 2024, the Fukuoka Stage, was held over 140.48 km from Okagaki Sanry Ai to Munakata Taisha. Ivan Smirnov (Astana Qazaqstan) claimed the stage victory in a bunch sprint, while second-placed Émilien Jeannière (TotalEnergies) secured the overall individual time classification victory.
The Fukuoka Stage was set on a course that included nine laps around the Tsuremi Pass (a Category 2 climb) and finished at the UNESCO World Heritage site, Munakata Taisha. The race saw frequent attacks from the start, but the peloton remained intact as they approached the intermediate sprint point at Hatsu (24.68 km). The overall leader Jeannière crossed the line first, gaining a three-second bonus and further solidifying his lead in the general classification.
At the 108 km mark, a breakaway of six riders, including Yuma Koishi (JCL Team UKYO), who was in eighth place overall, took the lead. Genki Yamamoto (Kinan Racing Team), part of this group, passed through five mountain checkpoints in first place, securing the lead in the mountains classification.
With less than 30 km to go, Adne Van Engelen and Carter Bettles (both from Roojai Insurance), along with Benjamin Dyball (Victoire Hiroshima), broke away from the main group and joined the leading pack. With two laps remaining, they took control of the race.
At the 15 km mark, the lead group’s gap over the peloton was 30 seconds. In the main group, EF Education-EasyPost launched an attack, with the top four riders in the general classification breaking away on the final climb at Tsuremi Pass. However, they were reeled back in with 5 km to go, setting the stage for a bunch sprint.
Ivan Smirnov (Astana Qazaqstan), who had finished second the previous day, came out victorious in the sprint. Jeannière finished second, securing the overall victory in the race.
Jeannière also claimed the points classification title. Lucas Nerurkar (EF Education-EasyPost), who finished third in the stage, secured second place overall and won the young rider classification. Genki Yamamoto (Kinan Racing Team), part of the breakaway, won the mountains classification.
The Fukuoka Stage drew an impressive turnout despite the grey skies overhead. Spectators flocked to cheer on the race’s top contenders, their enthusiasm undampened by the weather. The roaring applause as they took to the podium underscored the event’s growing appeal in the Fukuoka region, marking it as a highlight on the local sporting calendar.
Hiroyuki Komori, Senior Executive Officer and Branch Manager at Kajima Corporation (left), and Fukuoka Stage winner Ivan Smirnov (Astana Qazaqstan)
Fukuoka Stage (Stage 3) Results
1st: Ivan Smirnov (Astana Qazaqstan) – 3 hours 7 minutes 44 seconds
2nd: Émilien Jeannière (TotalEnergies)
3rd: Lucas Nerurkar (EF Education-EasyPost)
Masayuki Kosaku, Director of the President’s Office at Mynavi Corporation (left), and the top three finishers of the Fukuoka Stage
General Classification
1st: Émilien Jeannière (TotalEnergies) – 8 hours 52 minutes 34 seconds
2nd: Lucas Nerurkar (EF Education-EasyPost) +14 seconds
3rd: Ivan Smirnov (Astana Qazaqstan) +23 seconds
Akihiro Nagasawa, Head of the Kyushu Production Division at Bridgestone Corporation (left), and Points Classification Winner, Emilien Jeannière (TotalEnergies)
Points Classification:
Émilien Jeannière (TotalEnergies)
Mountains Classification:
Genki Yamamoto (Kinan Racing Team)
Young Rider Classification:
Lucas Nerurkar (EF Education-EasyPost)
Sumio Kuratomi, Chairman of the Tour de Kyushu 2024 Executive Committee (left), and Team General Classification Winner, TotalEnergies
Team Classification:
TotalEnergies
A retirement ceremony was also held for veteran rider Julian Simon, who was competing in his last race.
Masayuki Kosaku, Director of the President’s Office at Mynavi Corporation (left), and Emilien Jeannière (TotalEnergies), winner of the Individual General Classification and Points Classification
Comments from Key Riders:
Émilien Jeannière (General Classification & Points Classification winner, TotalEnergies):
“The team did great work again today. Although I finished second in the final stage, I’m pleased to end the season by winning the overall title in this well-organized race in Kyushu. It was also the last race for my teammate Julian Simon, so I wanted to dedicate the overall victory to him. Having such a great rider lead me out was a special experience.”
Hiroshi Morimoto, Executive Officer and Head of the Kyushu Branch at Suntory Foods Ltd. (left), with Mountains Classification winner, Genki Yamamoto (Kinan Racing Team)
Genki Yamamoto (Mountains Classification winner, Kinan Racing Team):
“The mountains classification was my target, so I started the race with that in mind. I was fortunate to join the breakaway and was aware of who else in the group was interested in the mountain points. I think I executed my strategy well today.”
Naoki Kobayashi, Executive Officer at NIPPO Corporation (left), and Lucas Nerurkar (EF Education-EasyPost)
Lucas Nerurkar (Young Rider Classification winner, EF Education-EasyPost):
“I enjoyed the three days of this open and dynamic race. Today, I did everything I could to take the leader’s jersey, but TotalEnergies and their ace were too strong. I’ve had several second and third-place finishes this season, so I aim to step up and start winning next year.”
Hiroshi Komi, President and CEO of Fukuoka Trans Co., Ltd. (left), and Best Japanese Rider Award winner, Keigo Kusaba (Aisan Racing Team)
Keigo Kusaba (Best Japanese Rider, Aisan Racing Team):
“I’m very happy to have competed in this stage race here in Japan. Many spectators came out, and I’m pleased to have been able to perform in front of them. Although I won the Best Japanese Rider award three days in a row, I fell short of my goals of finishing in the top three of a stage or earning UCI points, so my feelings are mixed.”