The event – which has not yet been officially announced – will apparently involve a criterium, or one-day competition on a road course and will likely see 50 or so “All-Star” riders being invited to participate, and perhaps race against Japanese cycling stars. Other districts may be involved and the idea bears some resemblance to the Challenge Sprint Pro concept pioneered by Canada’s Grand Prix Cycliste organization run by Serge Arsenault.
TdF organizers, the Amaury Sports Organization (ASO), is reportedly close to an agreement with Mayor Hayato Shimizu. The prefecture of Saitama is renowned for its local cycling culture and has the highest percentage of bicycle ownership (76%) in Japan.
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