Tour de Kyushu 2026 begins with Saga-Fukuoka stage

The international road cycling race ‘Ganbarou Kumamoto Mynavi Tour de Kyushu 2026’ commenced its stage racing on October 10. The event features 18 domestic and international teams with over 100 riders competing.

The first stage, the ‘Saga-Fukuoka Stage’, began at Cape Hado in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. The 152-kilometer course took riders through scenic coastal routes, including the Higashimatsuura Peninsula and Karatsu Castle, before finishing in Tenjin, Fukuoka. Matteo Marchetti of the XDS Astana Team won the stage after a competitive finish following a late breakaway attempt by a Malaysian rider.

The race continues through October 12, with the second stage scheduled to take place on October 11 as the ‘Oita-Kumamoto Stage’. Local festivities, including public viewings and fireworks, were organized to support the event and promote the region.