Belgian sprinter Jasper Philipsen won the Saitama Criterium in Japan this Sunday, dominating Jonas Vingegaard and Geraint Thomas.
After three years of absence due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Saitama Criterium returned to the calendar this Sunday. This 60km race has been taking place since 2013 in the streets of the Japanese city and is organized by ASO, like the Tour de France. This Sunday, it was Jasper Philipsen who succeeded Yukiya Arashiro on the list. The winner of the Champs-Elysées last July found himself alongside yellow jersey Jonas Vingegaard and Tour third Geraint Thomas on the last lap, and he overpowered them quite easily in the sprint, after less than an hour and a half of racing. A little before, Alejandro Valverde and Vincenzo Nibali had offered a last attack before retiring, in vain…
Martin only 29th
“It’s a really nice feeling, it’s been a while since I won (since Paris-Bourges a month ago, editor’s note) and there was a very good atmosphere with a lot of people in Saitama. I had good legs today and this kind of criterium suits me well. I was happy with the way things went. I knew that I was normally the fastest in the leading group. I was hoping for a sprint and just couldn’t let them go. It was the perfect scenario for me. I had fun this week, learning about Japanese culture and sharing new experiences. I think it’s the best season of my career, with two Tour de France wins as big highlights.“Reacted the winner of the day. First Frenchman, Guillaume Martin took 29th place.
THE SAITAMA . CRITERION
Final classification (59.5km) – Sunday November 6, 2022
1- Jasper Philipsen (BEL/Alpecin-Deceuninck) and 1h23’44
2- Jonas Vingegaard (DAN/Jumbo-Visma) mt
3- Geraint Thomas (GBR/Ineos Grenadiers) mt
4- Alejandro Valverde (ESP/Movistar) at 4″
5- Enric Mas (ESP/Movistar) à 5″
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29- Guillaume Martin (FRA/Cofidis) at 27″
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