TEAMS
BLZ
UTSUNOMIYA BLITZEN
CT
UTSUNOMIYA BLITZEN
The Red Lightning Strikes Kyushu
A community-based UCI Continental team from Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, now in its 17th year.
Atsushi Oka, returning as the team ace, is performing well, winning the sprint at the Kyoto stage of the Tour of Japan.
His sprinting on gentle slopes suits Kyushu courses.
Captain Junsei Tani placed 4th at this year’s national championships, expected to shine on mountain stages.
Coordination with foreign riders, including Taiwanese veteran Fon Chun-Kai and second-year Ruben Acosta (Colombia), has improved.
XCO MTB national champion Toki Sawada, a multi-discipline rider, also draws attention.
Kōsuke Takeyama and Masaki Hanada support race strategies.
Former national champion Mari Suzuki serves as team director.
