Jonas Vingegaard will close out his 2025 season in style this weekend, swapping the rigours of Grand Tour racing for the spectacle of the Saitama Criterium in Japan — an event as much about entertainment as it is about cycling.

The two-time Tour de France winner has travelled to Tokyo with his family for the showpiece race, which annually draws some of the sport’s biggest names for a festival of sport, culture and fanfare.

Eurosport commentator Anders Mielke expects the Danish star to throw himself into the spirit of the occasion. “We’ll probably see Vingegaard dressed up as a sumo wrestler or a karate fighter — that’s all part of the show,” Mielke said. “It’s the deal you accept when you’re paid to take part.”


Season finale with a showtime twist

Though the Saitama Criterium carries no UCI points, it regularly features major riders from the Tour de France peloton. Among others, Vingegaard will line up against former teammate Primoz Roglic, now with Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe, and Jonathan Milan of Lidl-Trek.

Eurosport pundit Brian Holm says the spectacle makes sense for all involved — even if it’s far removed from the competitive intensity of Europe’s classics.“It’s an event designed to make cycling more popular in Japan,” Holm explained to Ekstra Bladet. “I imagine there’s a decent pot of money involved. It’s not Paris-Roubaix or the Tour of Flanders — the sporting value is more like an old six-day race.”

For Holm, the benefits go beyond the podium. “You have to think about the sponsors. Jonas rides a Cervelo, and events like this give visibility in a huge market. Some teams have had Japanese riders before — maybe not the biggest talents, but it’s all part of the connection.”

Family trip to end a remarkable year

After an intense campaign that saw him crowned Vuelta a España champion, Vingegaard will take a well-earned break once the curtain falls on Sunday’s event. Speaking previously to Feltet.dk, he explained that the journey east also doubles as a family getaway.

“It’s about making a nice trip out of it,” Vingegaard said. “Japan is a fantastic country, so it’s great to experience what it’s like there — maybe even a bit beyond just Tokyo.”