The NIPPO Vini Fantini Europa Ovini 2018 contract renewals, about Japanese riders, is now complete, with the 3 signatures of Hideto Nakane, Masakazu Ito and Kohei Uchima. Two climbers and one all rounder. Together with the young talent Marino Kobayashi already strong of a 2 year contract signed in 2017, they are the confirmed riders of the 2018 season. 3 new names already announced, Sho Hatsuyama, Hayato Yoshida and Hiroki Nishimura.
7 Japanese riders in total for the 2018 Roster of the NIPPO Vini Fantini Europa Ovini team. Already announced the 3 new signatures of Sho Hatsuyama, Hayato Yoshida and Hiroki Nishimura. Already signed for 2 years (in 2017) the young talent Marino Kobayashi, is now time for renewals of the 3 most important Japanese riders of the team in 2017.
They are Hideto Nakane, “Best of Asian” in Tour of Langkawi 2017 (2.HC), 8th in the General Ranking of the Tour d’Azerbaijan, Masakazu Ito, the Japanese climber not so lucky in 2017 with a bad injury stopping him, but now ready for a good 2018 season and Kohei Uchima, great team-worker and experienced rider always ready to help his team-mates.
THREE CONFIRMED RIDERS.
The 3 Japanese riders deserved the renewal thanks to the good results and the right team-approach during the whole season, going on at least another season with the team.
The climber Hideto Nakane demonstrated very good attitude and personality during all the season. Winner of the special jersey “Best of Asian” in Tour of Langkawi, reaching the final 8th position in the General Ranking of the Tour d’Azerbaijan, he also demonstrated to be competitive in Europe as in the action he made in Tirreno-Adriatico together with Gianni Moscon (Team Sky). Very important supporting rider for Marco Canola in the last Japan Cup, he remained with the team leader until the final km in order to help him to reach the victory. The team has good expectations on him looking forward to the 2018 season, both in the Asian and European calendar.
Unlucky season in 2017 for Masakazu Ito, stopped by a long injury, but the climber has a good potential looking forward to the 2018 season he can be an important rider for the Asia Tour and in European races.
Kohei Uchima is the Japanese team rider. Expert team rider and leader for the Japanese young talents of the team as great professional. After riding in Milano-Sanremo and Tirreno-Adriatico in 2017 he his improving his international experience too.
RIDERS DECLARATIONS.
Hideto Nakane, declares about the renewal: “I’m happy to have the opportunity to challenge for the world top races with NIPPO Vini Fantini Europa Ovini also in 2018 season. Thanks for the training program which was made by team trainers and D.S., I could make very good results, for example getting the Best of Asian jersey in the Tour de Langkawi and 8th place in G.C. at the tour of Azerbaijan. And also I had great experiences to support Marco Canola’s wins at Tour of Japan and Japancup Cycle Road race as a team mate. In this season, I realized that I can be strong more and more. So in 2018, I will do my best to get more wins for the team and also I’m looking forward to my best results too. “
Masakazu Ito declaration: “It was my first transfer to the European professional team from Japanese continental team. So the beginning of the season I was anxious and excited. It was great experience to get the chance of racing in the UCI World Tour in China and I learned a lot of thing from world top peloton. In middle of the season I had a femur fracture, I’m regretful about it but I had good recovery and now I’m focused on my off-training for upcoming season.”
Kohei Uchima:
“I’m very happy of the contract for 2018 season with NIPPO Vini Fantini Europa Ovini. I had great season, for example it was my best moments that racing the traditional Italian races, Milan – Sanremo and Tirreno – Adriatico. So in 2017, I had improved myself well but I think that I have big possibility to grow up more. In 2018, I will train myself at the world level races and expect to be stronger!”