The race kicks off with a 2,2km prologue. It`s pan flat and the favourites are close to each other, so it`s quite open today and we all know how much of an impact the form has on such course.
Japanese surely hope for Kuboki or TT champion Oba, while Aregger and GC rider Bibby are their biggest threats but several others want to give it a fight for the first lead of the race.
Early on some GC riders decided to start in the morning hours. Teklehaimanot goes into the provisional lead. But it doesn`t last long as Julien Vermote is 1s faster and also Velits can`t beat that time.
It took some time but then the Japanese had something to celebrate. Kuroeda goes into the lead but just moments later Richardson steals it again. All within 10s though and it`s obvious the GC can`t be won today.
Took a bit but now the strongest prologue riders are on the tarmac. First it`s Van Zandbeek and while being s.t. as Richardson, the officials count the Irish remaining in the lead.
Though once one of todays biggest favs is finishing, his time on the hot seat is over as well. Kuboki takes the provisional lead by 1s!
So far a good race for the Japanese with Kuboki in the lead and Kuroeda still in 4th. The National TT champion Oba is continueing the trend and goes into 4th making it 3 home riders in the top5 for now.
Though Pozdnyakov proves to have some big form today and goes into 4th a bit later!
Dal Col might prefer the longer time trials but he shows that he is capable to beat the best also in the short ones. Incredible ride by the Italian going 3s faster than Kuboki and this is the new time to beat! Was this the winner time?
Craven and Konovalovas both in the top10 but a few seconds off.
Bibby knows this race. He knows this route and he performed well here in the past and this is exactly what he shows today. He goes fast, very fast and this might be the lead!
Officials not sure yet as it`s s.t. with Dal Col and still undecided.
While they are still discussing the last top prologue rider comes to the finish. Aregger wants the lead today even though he might have best chances to take it tomorrow after the sprint finish as well.
But it`s not fast enough. 3rd for sure but behind Bibby and Dal Col.
And finally the confirmation. After Bibby was believed to have won, it`s in fact Vontobel with Andrea Dal Col taking this prologue. Their success in the Tour of Japan continues after winning the GC last season with Cataldo, who is back to fight for it again actually. For now it`s Dal Col delivering for the team.
Kuroeda goes into the lead but just moments later Richardson steals it again. All within 10s though and it`s obvious the GC can`t be won today.
