TEAMS

／ TEAMS ／

BLZ UTSUNOMIYA BLITZEN
宇都宮ブリッツェン（CT / Japan）

Now in its 16th year, this team is a trailblazer in the community-based cycling movement and is credited with establishing Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, as Japan’s cycling hub. It is one of the country’s leading UCI Continental teams.
The team captain is climber Junsei Tani, who finished 11th overall in last year's race, demonstrating his solid abilities. One of the key riders to watch this year is Toki Sawada, dubbed the "Japanese Tom Pidcock." Already an Asian and Japanese champion in MTB and cyclocross, Sawada claimed his first road race victory at the Shinshiro Road Race in September. Expectations are high for him to carry this momentum into a standout performance in Kyushu. Kosuke Takeyama and Kiyomasa Hanada, who provided strong support in Shinshiro, will also play crucial roles for the team.
The team will also look to leave its mark in Kyushu with the help of international riders, including Taiwan's leading cyclist, Feng Chun-kai, and newly recruited Colombian rider, Ruben Acosta