5 #OrangeBlue riders ready to compete, in the “home race” very important for the whole team and for the sponsor NIPPO Corporation. On the start-line Pierpaolo De Negri that in 2016 won 1 stage and the point jersey. The young Japanese talent, Marino Kobayashi will be an important rider of the line-up. With them Hideto Nakane, Giacomo Berlato and Nicola Bagioli.
Tour de Hokkaido, 8-10 September.
3 days of race that will be very important for the NIPPO Vini Fantini team. An home race very important for the team and his Japanese sponsors as NIPPO Corporation. The Sports Directors and Japanese Team Manager Hiroshi Daimon have selected 5 riders for this important race. Among the leaders of the team Pierpaolo De Negri, that with the Japan have a special feeling. Many times on the Japanese podiums in different races in the last 4 years. In the 2016 edition of the Tour de Hokkaido he won the 3rd stage, winning also the point jersey and reaching the second place of the general ranking. The Italian rider will try to reach another important results for him and for the team. With him the young Japanese talent Marino Kobayashi, the experience of Hideto Nakane and the team-attitude of the 2 young Italian riders Giacomo Berlato and Nicola Bagioli.
One prologue and 3 stages in which the NIPPO Vini Fantini team will be try to reach the 11th victory of the season, to continue the great sportive growth demonstrated by the team during the season.
The official line-up:
Pierpaolo De Negri, Marino Kobayashi, Hideto Nakane, Giacomo Berlato e Nicola Bagioli.
The stages:
Tappa 1: Hakodate City > Hokuto City, 162 km
Tappa 2: Hokuto City > Kikonai Town, 185 km
Tappa 3: Hakodate City > Hakodate City, 77km