NILAI, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- The Japanese track cycling team are set to kick off their 2025 season at the Asian Track Cycling Championships (ATC) with a blend of experienced elite riders and emerging talents, aiming to secure crucial world ranking points and additional quota spots for the World Championships.
Head sprint coach Jason Niblett, who has been leading the team since 2021, acknowledged the mix of riders in the squad which includes reigning world champions like Kazushige Kuboki (scratch race) and Mina Sato (keirin) as well as first-time competitors at an international event.
“This is the start of our season, so we’re looking to gain valuable points for world rankings and, if possible, secure extra quota spots for the World Championships,” he told Bernama today.
Niblett said that while some riders are coming off a well-earned break after last year’s World Championships, he admitted that their form might not yet be at the peak and emphasised that this competition serves as an essential stepping stone to regaining top condition.
“There’s always a bit of uncertainty heading into the first race of the season, but some of our riders have maintained good form despite the break. The pressure is always there, but it’s a privilege to compete and push for results.
“Every nation here wants to win because that guarantees an extra spot at the World Championships. That, in turn, makes my job easier when it comes to team selection,” he added.
With Japan bringing a mix of seasoned champions and fresh faces, all eyes will be on how the team adapts to the season opener and whether their calculated strategy pays off in securing medals and world championship slots.
Meanwhile, despite Japan’s reputation for consistently reaching the finals in the events, only two keirin riders have been fielded for ATC 2025 instead of three.
Niblett said this is due to a scheduling conflict, as some of their top riders are currently competing in a high-stakes G1 race in Japan, which offers lucrative prize money.
-- BERNAMA
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