10/08 Kumamoto Stage Race Report
Mynavi Tour de Kyushu 2023 Stage 2
The second stage of the MyNavi Tour de Kyushu 2023, featuring six Category 1 mountains, was the most challenging stage of the event. Andrey Zeits from Astana Kazakhstan, a UCI World Team, triumphed in this stage, riding through the steady rain. Zeits also claimed the top spot in the individual general classification.
Moving the race to Kumamoto Prefecture, this second stage covered a distance of 107.73 km from Senomoto Rest House to Michinoeki Asobono no Sato Kugino. After crossing the Category 1 mountain pass, Hakoishi Pass, early in the race, the riders completed five laps of a circuit that included the Category 1 mountain pass, Kenny Road, making it the Queen Stage of this year’s event.
Rain persisted throughout the day. In the early stages, no breakaway formed, and the peloton remained intact until the intermediate sprint point at Ichinomiya, 14.7 km into the race. The previous day’s winner, Naoki Kojima (Team Bridgestone Cycling), who wore the leader’s jersey in the individual general classification, was the first to cross the line at this point. Kojima, also the leader in the points classification.
At the 26.8 km mark, the first category 1 mountain pass, Hakoishi Pass, saw Hirohei Yokotsuka (VC Fukuoka) leading the breakaway group that had formed. However, shortly after, the peloton absorbed the breakaway group, and the race momentarily reset. Amidst the rain and mist, the riders hurried forward against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Aso.
The battle for the second place came down to a sprint between Zeitz’s teammate Antonio Nibali and the sole Japanese rider remaining in this elite group, Yūhi Tomenome (EF Education Nippo Development Team), with Nibali claiming victory.
Following the results of this stage, Zeitz secured the top position in the individual general classification and donned the blue leader’s jersey. Benjamin Prades-Reverte (JCL TEAM UKYO) held the mountain classification, while Tomenome moved into the lead for the best young rider classification. Naoki Kojima maintained his hold on the points classification.
As they entered the circuit course from the 58 km mark, the steep 1st category mountain pass, Kenny Road, narrowed down the front group to a select 12 elite riders. From this group, Ryan Cabana (Kinan Racing Team) briefly went solo, but he was reeled back in after passing Kenny Road for the fourth time.
The showdown among the reduced front group of eight riders heated up on the final ascent of Kenny Road in the last lap. Andrei Zeitz (Astana Kazakhstan) increased the pace, and no one could follow. He crossed the summit at the front and continued solo to clinch the victory.
The battle for the second place came down to a sprint between Zeitz’s teammate Antonio Nibali and the sole Japanese rider remaining in this elite group, Yūhi Tomenome (EF Education Nippo Development Team), with Nibali claiming victory.
Following the results of this stage, Zeitz secured the top position in the individual general classification and donned the blue leader’s jersey. Benjamin Prades-Reverte (JCL TEAM UKYO) held the mountain classification, while Tomenome moved into the lead for the best young rider classification. Naoki Kojima maintained his hold on the points classification.
Stage 2 Results
1st – Andrei Zeitz (Astana Kazakhstan) 2 hours 57 minutes 12 seconds 2nd – Antonio Nibali (Astana Kazakhstan) +21 seconds 3rd – Yūhi Tomenome (EF Education Nippo Development Team) Same time
Overall Individual General Classification
1st – Andrei Zeitz (Astana Kazakhstan) 6 hours 15 minutes 50 seconds 2nd – Antonio Nibali (Astana Kazakhstan) +25 seconds 3rd – Yūhi Tomenome (EF Education Nippo Development Team) +27 seconds
Comment from Stage Winner & Overall Leader Andrei Zeitz: “The preparation time was short, but the bad weather didn’t pose any problems for me. Normally, my job is to assist the team, but today, I was able to race for myself.”
Comment from Points Classification Leader Naoki Kojima: “I’m delighted to wear the Bridgestone jersey. I’ll aim for victory on the final day and work hard to ultimately win this points classification.”
Comment from Best Young Rider Yūhi Tomenome: “It’s great to achieve my best-ever finish in a UCI race in this category. I’m proud that such a high-level race has been held, and I hope to participate again next year.”
On the following day, October 9 (Monday), the final stage of the Mynavi Tour de Kyushu 2023, Stage 3, will take place from Autopolis to Ōhara Hachimangū Shrine, covering a distance of 129.13 km.