Saitama to host Tour de France event

50 bicyclists on Japanese roads vs. Japanese truck drivers... Oh the humanity!

There IS a Tour of Japan cycling event: http://www.toj.co.jp/toj15/

I find it a little surprising that there is not an established professional cycling event or even a circuit of races in Japan.

There are a multitude of races and race series. Some of them attract major pro teams from abroad. I find it surprising that you thought there weren't. I used to race for a major team here in Japan. http://www.toj.co.jp/ http://www.j-cycling.org/event/ http://www.geocities.jp/gun1300/carender04.htm

Hope to see you out there, rubber down!

@Edbardoe & Ranger_Miffy2

The lack of formal events might have something to do with Japan having only 2-3 months of decent cycling weather in a year. The rest of the time is either too cold, or too hot or too wet; not particularly conducive to proper training. That said, I know a couple of Japanese who do semi regular Triathlon events.

Agree with edbardoe...this is a bike mad country. Surprising there are not organized annual races...or there may be but I just don't know. Don't see ads for them in my local gear-head bike shops...

Tour de Saitama? I hope nothing awkward happens.

I find it a little surprising that there is not an established professional cycling event or even a circuit of races in Japan. Even here in the usa where almost no one uses a bicycle except for exercise, we have the Tour of California and other races around the country.

Tour de France ? Or "Tour du Japon" ?

inviting some 50 top cyclists to the "All Stars" exhibition

So what has this to do with :

Saitama Prefecture has more bicycles per head of population

Are they going to lend them to the "All Stars" ?

I think this event could be a big success and I hope I'll be in Tokyo to see it. But it's almost always about money. If the organizers put up a lot, they will come.