The Japan Cup in Utsunomiya, Japan, marked the end of the season for many drivers. But they would probably have preferred to have celebrated it in better weather conditions. "Worse than at the World Cup," was how some pros described the race, which was characterized by heavy rain showers.
The Australian Michael Rogers (Saxo Tinkoff) coped best with the conditions. With a late attack on the last climb, he broke away from a strong group and finally won solo ahead of Jack Bauer (Garmin-Sharp) and Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Merida).
//Result
1. Michael Rogers (Saxo-Tinkoff 4:25:00
2. Jack Bauer (Garmin Sharp) 0:00:44
3. Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Merida) 0:00:44
4. Julian David Arredondo Moreno (Nippo-De Rosa) 0:00:44
5. David Lopez Garcia (Sky) 0:00:50