WHAT IS THE TOUR DE KYUSHU
The Tour de Kyushu is a UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) sanctioned cycling road race, established by the Kyushu Regional Strategy Council, which comprises top economic organizations in Kyushu and the governors of each prefecture. This event was decided to be held as a symbol of the sustainable legacy of the Rugby World Cup, the promotion of cycle tourism in Kyushu, and the recovery from recent natural disasters that have struck the region.
The 3rd tournament was held from October 10th to 13th, 2025, in Sasebo, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Oita.
This race is expected to provide a significant opportunity for athletes aiming for global success, contribute to the development of a wide range of personnel involved in road racing, and promote cycling sports in Kyushu. Additionally, it is expected to contribute to regional branding by showcasing Kyushu's beautiful nature and landscapes to a global audience.
To meet these expectations and to serve as an event contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals in the region, the economic and administrative sectors of Kyushu will work together in cooperation to develop the event.
TOURNAMENT OUTLINE
| EVENT TITLE |
Mynavi Tour de Kyushu 2026 
|
|---|---|
| ORGANIZER |
Tour de Kyushu 2026 Executive Committee Tour de Kyushu Association |
| DATE | Friday, October 9 - Monday, October 12, 2026 (national holiday) |
| VENUE | Nagasaki,Fukuoka,Saga,Kumamoto,Oita and Miyazaki Prefectures |
| RACE FORMAT | Stage race (road) and criterium (small circuit race) |
| RACE CATEGORY | UCI Asia Tour 2.1 (Stage Race Class 1) |
| PARTICIPATING TEAMS | 18 Domestic and International Teams |
| TEAM COMPOSITION |
Each team consists of 9 members (6 riders, 1 supervisor, 1 mechanic, 1 manager) *Final team selection will be determined through negotiations with the teams. |
TROPHY
This trophy was jointly created by three companies: produced by the plating specialist Kyushu Denka Co., Ltd., engraved by Mr. Masaharu Inoue (Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture), renowned as "THE Iron Man," and featuring mirror work by Kyukyo Co., Ltd.
The three collaborators kindly donated the trophy to the tournament.
The plate on the trophy is inscribed with the names of all past champions.
MEDALS
STAGE WINNER
Kajima Corporation
Awarded to the athlete finishing each stage in first place.
BEST JAPANESE RIDER
Fukuoka Trans Co., Ltd.
Awarded to the Japanese rider who finishes each stage in first place out of the Japanese participants.
※The medal design is an image.
LEADER JERSEYS
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
Sponsored by Mynavi Corporation
The General Classification of the Mynavi Tour de Kyushu 2026 is the most prestigious title of the race and determines the overall winner.
It is awarded to the rider with the lowest cumulative time across all stages.
The rider wearing this jersey on the podium of the final stage in Miyazaki will be crowned the overall champion.
POINTS CLASSIFICATION
Sponsored by Bridgestone Corporation
The Points Classification rewards consistency and sprinting strength.
Points are awarded based on finishing positions at the end of each stage and at designated sprint points along the course.
The rider with the highest total points wears the points leader jersey.
KING OF THE MOUNTAINS CLASSIFICATION
Sponsored by Suntory Foods Ltd.
The KOM (King of the Mountain) Classification honors the best climber in the race.
Points are awarded based on the order of passage over designated KOM points in each stage.
The rider with the most climbing points wears a distinctive jersey inspired by the "blessings of mountain water."
YOUNG RIDER CLASSIFICATION
Sponsored by NIPPO Corporation
The Young Rider Classification highlights the most promising talent in the peloton.
It is awarded to the fastest rider under the age of 23 (as of 2026) based on the lowest cumulative time across all stages.
THEME MUSIC
「Against The Wind」
Music: Kyoji Yamamoto
Producer: Yasuko Matsumoto
MESSAGE
The fanfare at the beginning of "Against The Wind" represents the podium that all athletes strive for. With a bold start, overcoming countless obstacles, and pressing forward against headwinds, the song expresses the energy and determination of the riders as they continue pedaling with all their might.— Kyoji
PROFILE
Kyoji Yamamoto
Born in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. He began playing guitar at the age of 15 and entered Yamaha's Nemu Music Academy at 18. Even at that time, he was already being hailed as a guitar prodigy. While still in school, he was chosen as the lead guitarist and lead vocalist for BOWWOW.
During their debut, touring with KISS and Aerosmith made headlines. With his dynamic and overwhelming sound and guitar technique, he has consistently led Japan’s rock scene. Later, he formed VOW WOW and based himself in London, performing across Europe and the U.S. for about four years. The band even charted in the UK, earning high acclaim internationally and significantly influencing overseas artists, including Metallica.
In addition to his band activities, he tours nationwide with his solo project "Kyoji Yamamoto’s Fully Unleashed Solo Guitar Show", collaborating across a wide range of genres including rock, fusion, folk, blues, traditional Japanese music, and classical. He has performed with musicians from all backgrounds and has even toured with Eikichi Yazawa. From sessions to producing for other artists, his broad musical range continues to fuel his global success in the music scene.