TEAMS

／ TEAMS ／

JCL JCL TEAM UKYO
JCL TEAM UKYO （CT / Japan）

A major project launched by former racing driver Ukyo Katayama, aiming to be the first Japanese national team to participate in the Tour de France. From the 2024 season, the team will also establish a base in Italy and compete in famous European races. Their team strength is no less than that of higher-ranked pro teams. They have already recorded 13 wins this season, including 4 stage wins and the overall victory in the Tour of Japan, as well as 4 stage wins and the overall victory in the Tour of Bulgaria.
The team's top performers are two Italians who transferred this season: Giovanni Carboni and Matteo Marucelli. Nathan Earle (Australia), who previously belonged to a World Team, is also a significant presence. As for the Japanese riders, it's truly an all-star lineup, led by last year's All-Japan Champion Masaki Yamamoto, and including veteran Nariyuki Masuda, Yuma Koishi (who placed 2nd overall in the Tour de Taiwan), Atsushi Oka (overall winner of the Tour de Kumano), and Manabu Ishibashi, known for his hard work - all of them are top domestic riders with experience in Europe.