“We’ll probably see Vingegaard dressed up as a sumo wrestler or a karate fighter” – Visma leader expected to embrace Japanese culture during Saitama Criterium
Cycling
Jonas Vingegaard will close out his 2025 season in style this weekend, swapping the rigours of Grand Tour racing for the spectacle of the Saitama Criterium in Japan — an event as much about entertainment as it is about cycling.
The two-time Tour de France winner has travelled to Tokyo with his family for the showpiece race, which annually draws some of the sport’s biggest names for a festival of sport, culture and fanfare.
Eurosport commentator Anders Mielke expects the Danish star to throw himself into the spirit of the occasion. “We’ll probably see Vingegaard dressed up as a sumo wrestler or a karate fighter — that’s all part of the show,” Mielke said. “It’s the deal you accept when you’re paid to take part.”
Season finale with a showtime twist
Though the Saitama Criterium carries no UCI points, it regularly features major riders from the Tour de France peloton. Among others, Vingegaard will line up against former teammate Primoz Roglic, now with Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, and Jonathan Milan of Lidl-Trek.
Eurosport pundit Brian Holm says the spectacle makes sense for all involved — even if it’s far removed from the competitive intensity of Europe’s classics.
“It’s an event designed to make cycling more popular in Japan,” Holm explained to Ekstra Bladet. “I imagine there’s a decent pot of money involved. It’s not Paris-Roubaix or the Tour of Flanders — the sporting value is more like an old six-day race.”
For Holm, the benefits go beyond the podium. “You have to think about the sponsors. Jonas rides a Cervelo, and events like this give visibility in a huge market. Some teams have had Japanese riders before — maybe not the biggest talents, but it’s all part of the connection.”
Family trip to end a remarkable year
After an intense campaign that saw him crowned Vuelta a España champion, Vingegaard will take a well-earned break once the curtain falls on Sunday’s event. Speaking previously to Feltet.dk, he explained that the journey east also doubles as a family getaway.
“It’s about making a nice trip out of it,” Vingegaard said. “Japan is a fantastic country, so it’s great to experience what it’s like there — maybe even a bit beyond just Tokyo.”
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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🇯🇵 This weekend, we're back in Japan for the 11th edition of the J:COM Saitama Criterium! We can't wait to see our Japanese fans again and experience the unique atmosphere of this event! 🤩 🇯🇵 Ce week-end, nous sommes de retour au Japon pour la 11ème édition du J:COm Saitama
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