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@xDOMx
Late to the party, but watched the race through in full here in Yokohama yesterday.
Having ridden all the roads and climbs except Fuji Speedway (trained on the first part - called the Onekan - this AM), I can confirm that the main climbs are really tough.
I have done Mikuni Pass a good few times this year and knew the race would be blown apart there. Toward the top, but still with a couple of KM to go, you would’ve seen the road covered in small “doughnuts.” That indicates that the road is up and over 15% and there’s kickers to 18% in that section too - that comes after a lot of climbing and always kicks your face in.
To see the riders race those same roads as I’ve ridden, but at that speed, was really something.
As for the heat, it’s brutal this time of year and the time in which I most want to come back to the UK to work for a couple of months. Massive humidity and around early to mid-thirties in temperature (it’s like cycling in a sauna/steam room).
Anecdotally, the shrine at the start of the race - Okunitama - is where my wife and I were married. Really strange seeing the peloton go through there!
If anyone is over here and wants to ride either the route (sans Fuji Speedway) or any other more interesting roads than you find in Tokyo, happy to give guidance or perhaps join.