Nariyuki Masuda is the kind of rider that all race fans love - whenever the road goes up, he can be seen on the attack. This is what had first caught team managements attention in 2013 while developing the Nutresa project, and is what Nariyuki delivered in spades in 2014. Although not a successful approach everytime, lots of plaudits as well as prizes were awarded. His best stage race performance of the season was at the Tour de Langkawi where he claimed a stage victory and secured 2nd overall. He was also 2nd in the Mountains competition at the Malysian race, and went one better at the Tour de Slovenie, bringing home the KoM jersey. Perhaps his most impressive perofrmance was a strong 13th at the Cartago - Irazu, racing against all the top PCT mountain goats, and not being out of place. Nariyuki amassed 195 ranking points on the way to an excellent 43rd in the individual CT rankings, consistently racking up points at nearly every race outing.
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Nariyuki dropping his breakaway companions on the way to claiming victory atop the Cameron Highlands (St 3: Tour de Langkawi)
Nariyuki has expressed to team management that he most likely sees his future away from Grupo Nutresa. Although he has had a fantastic season, and expresses deep thanks to managment and team-mates alike, he fears being schackled in the peleton acting as a domestique-deluxe in the PCT. He is keen to find a new home back in the CT ranks, not least to chase opportunities to add to his palmares, and continue his defining career characteristic of clinching polka-dot mountain jerseys with wild breakawys through the high mountains. Given his fantastic service in Nutresa's inaugural season, team management feel disposed to grant Nariyuki's wishes if a suitable arrangement can be reached. Otherwise, he can still play an important role for Nutresa in the new season.
Congratulations on the Tour de France wildcard!
Also, now that the transfer period is over, I want to thank you for your advice throughout the transfers! Cheers, mate!
