Hosting the Largest International Cycle Road Race in Japan: 'Tour of Japan 2026 Chari-Loto Sakai Stage'

The first stage of the 'Tour of Japan,' one of the largest UCI-sanctioned international cycle road races in Japan, will be held in Sakai.

This tournament is the only multi-prefecture stage race in Japan, covering eight stages over eight days. The Sakai Stage will feature top athletes from Japan and abroad, promising high-intensity racing.

The course utilizes the Daisen Park loop road, which is adjacent to the Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun, a component of the World Heritage site 'Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group.' This location allows spectators to experience the power and presence of European-style racing up close.

In addition, various events to experience the charm of 'Bicycle City Sakai' will be held simultaneously on the day.

### 1. Date and Time Sunday, May 24, 2026, approximately 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM (including simultaneous events).

### 2. Location Inside Daisen Park (2 Mozuyuno-cho, Sakai-ku, Sakai City) and the surrounding loop road.

### 3. Race Content

**① Individual Time Trial** Athletes start one by one every 30 seconds to compete for the best time. - **Race Name:** Tour of Japan 2026 Chari-Loto Sakai Stage - **Time:** Approx. 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM - **Participants:** 96 riders (9 domestic teams, 7 international teams, 6 riders per team)

**② Criterium** A race where all riders start at once, circle the course multiple times, and the ranking is decided by the order of finish on the final lap. - **Race Name:** Sakai International Criterium / JBCF Criterium - **Time:** Approx. 10:50 AM to 11:35 AM / 11:45 AM to 12:55 PM - **Participants:** 96 riders (same as Individual Time Trial) and JBCF registered riders.

*Note: Race times are subject to change due to circumstances.*

### 4. Live Streaming The race can be viewed via YouTube Live on the day of the event. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWgRNAIYsoc (Individual Time Trial only)

### 5. Traffic Restrictions Traffic restrictions will be enforced around the venue during the event. Please refrain from coming by car.

### 6. Related Events

**(1) Simultaneous Events in Daisen Park (May 24)** - **Osaka Prefectural Police Events:** Opening ceremony by the police band and color guard (9:35 AM - 10:00 AM); Educational booth regarding bicycle traffic regulations (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM). - **BICYCLE INN PARK 2026:** Bicycle test rides, workshops, pro rider shows, and food market (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM). - **Danish-style Bicycle Class:** For kids aged 4–7, learning handling through games (10:10 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:40 PM, 3:00 PM). - **Sakai Bicycle Day:** Quizzes on traffic rules and giveaway of reflectors (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM). - **Others:** Shimano Bicycle Museum booth, food trucks, and a digital stamp rally using the 'STLOCAL' app.

**(2) City Excursion Events** - **Tour of Japan Viewing Guide Tours and Casual Cycling:** Guided tours for watching the race and cycling tours around the city will be conducted by two organizations starting from 9:30 AM.