Squinsch: “Happy victory in a race like a king” Schmidt: “It was more difficult than I expected.” – Japan Cup 2024 Benchmark Player Comments | cyclowired

The Japan Cup Criterion was decided by a runaway for the first time in the competition. We introduce ideas such as Squinsh who won, Powless who created the opportunity to escape, Pedason who is happy with the victory of his friends.

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Winner: Toms Skukins (Latvia, Riddle Trek)

Even if it is a short race, the race is always fast and hard. I’m happy to be able to continue the team’s tradition (of winning) in criteriums.

The race here has a great atmosphere with lots of cheering fans. So I feel like a king. It’s amazing that we managed to win four games in a row* as a team. Eddie (Toons) won three races in a row, which I could never do. So even this one win is a very happy result.

In terms of strategy, unlike last year, I had decided not to dominate the race. It is a very difficult race. That’s why they sent athletes to run away, but it was still a tough race. And luckily I was able to win.

* That’s right, 5 consecutive wins

2nd place Mauro Schmidt (Switzerland, Jayco AlUla)

The race turned out to be much tougher than expected. It was supposed to be a race to get better for tomorrow, but it was really hard.

3rd place: Antoine Houby (France, Soudal Quickstep)

I was able to enjoy the victory-oriented competition. I’m happy to be able to do a race like this with so many fans.

5th place Neilson Paules (USA, EF Education Easypost)

I had planned to attack, but I didn’t think I would be able to escape until the end. I wanted to stimulate my legs for tomorrow. However, there were strong team members among the escape group. Although he led the group (during rotation), he did not give 100% every time. It was also fun to be able to run in the lead group.

– What kind of strategy did you use to win?

I thought I would take the gamble of sprinting, but I knew that Toms Squinsch (who attacked and was pulled back) would attack again from the back of the pack. So I moved to the back of the group to follow their movements.

And as I was reading, he jumped, but I couldn’t get on his back. I was confident in the sprint itself.

– Are you tired for tomorrow?

I’m not that tired, and I think I’m in good shape for tomorrow.

6th & 4th, 8th lap sprint prize Matej Mohoric (Slovakia, Bahrain Victorious)

I had no plans to go on the way, and when I followed the rider in front of me, I found out that they had become a group that was running away. Also, I didn’t have the legs to sprint at the end. (On the last lap) Lot Destiny (Curry) attacked him and pulled him back.

In such a situation, there are only two options: attack at the rear of the group or at the front. Attacking from behind seems to be the right answer today.

– Have you ever thought about saving your feet for tomorrow?

You can’t do that in a race. Even if I had been running in the protein, I would have been just as tired.

11th Michael Woods (Canada, Israel Premier Tech)

– Why did you run away?

I just love racing. Running here was fun in itself, and I wanted to run an attractive race.

– Didn’t you think of saving your strength for tomorrow?

Of course, I was thinking about tomorrow, so I couldn’t give it my full strength. But I also wanted my feet to get used to it.

– What was your last strategy?

I ran for Brady (Gilmore) who has a good sprint. That’s why I crushed the first attack with Toms (Squinsh).

– How was the race here?

It was really amazing. I wanted to put on a good show in front of the big audience.

Mads Pederson (Denmark, Riddle Trek)

It is easier to control the race by putting a rider on the run than to lead the peloton. For us, it doesn’t matter which team wins. All you have to do is win anyway. Toms (Squinsh) is a loyal player (to Ace) and he always helps me. So I’m really happy that he won.

text: Sotaro.Arakawa
photo: CorVos