VC Fukuoka Achieves First Win and One-Two Finish at J Pro Tour 'Ontake Hill Climb'
At the 'JBCF Japan Pro Tour Round 7 Ontake Hill Climb' held on May 17, 2026, Benjami Prades of VC Fukuoka won the race, with teammate Geraldo Ledesma taking second place to complete a one-two finish. This marks the team's first victory in the J Pro Tour, the top-tier racing category.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 18, 2026 at 18:11
- 🔍 Collected: May 18, 2026 at 09:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 18, 2026 at 23:10 (13h 38m after Collected)
Benjami Prades secured victory at the 'JBCF Japan Pro Tour Round 7 Ontake Hill Climb' held in Otaki Village, Nagano Prefecture, on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Teammate Geraldo Ledesma took second place, achieving a one-two finish for the team. Furthermore, Daiki Yamamoto finished in 7th place, significantly boosting the team's ranking.
■ Race Overview
Event Name: Round 7 Ontake Hill Climb
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Location: Otaki Village, Nagano Prefecture (Mount Ontake Otaki Trailhead)
Although they missed the podium in the 'Ontake Time Trial' the previous day, the two riders, Benjami Prades and Geraldo Ledesma, withstood attacks from other teams in the final stages of the hill climb race on the second day to secure the one-two finish. Daiki Yamamoto also finished 7th, demonstrating the overall strength of the team.
While the team has previously won UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) recognized races and other leagues, this is their first victory in the 'J Pro Tour', the top category of the JBCF (Japan Bicycle Club Federation).
■ Final Adjustments for the Tour of Japan
The team has been holding a training camp in Gero City, Gifu Prefecture, focusing on the 'Tour of Japan (TOJ)', the longest domestic stage race, which begins on May 24. At the end of the camp, this race served as high-intensity practical training anticipating the main event.
■ Winner: Benjami Prades Comment
"I am really happy to be able to decorate my first J Pro Tour in about eight years, and my victory there, in the best possible way with the team's one-two finish. We were able to show 100% of the results of our training camp in Gero City. We aim to maintain this momentum in the Tour of Japan starting next week and aim for victory as a united team."
■ Director: Shinya Sato Comment
"I am extremely happy with the best result, a one-two finish by Benja and Geraldo. The race was held in the wonderful scenery of Mount Ontake, and I would like to thank the organizers and everyone involved. It was also a very meaningful opportunity to be able to participate in a race while holding a training camp at the nearby Ontake Nigorigo Altitude Training Center. We want to connect the results of this camp to the next event."
■ Race Overview
Event Name: Round 7 Ontake Hill Climb
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Location: Otaki Village, Nagano Prefecture (Mount Ontake Otaki Trailhead)
Although they missed the podium in the 'Ontake Time Trial' the previous day, the two riders, Benjami Prades and Geraldo Ledesma, withstood attacks from other teams in the final stages of the hill climb race on the second day to secure the one-two finish. Daiki Yamamoto also finished 7th, demonstrating the overall strength of the team.
While the team has previously won UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) recognized races and other leagues, this is their first victory in the 'J Pro Tour', the top category of the JBCF (Japan Bicycle Club Federation).
■ Final Adjustments for the Tour of Japan
The team has been holding a training camp in Gero City, Gifu Prefecture, focusing on the 'Tour of Japan (TOJ)', the longest domestic stage race, which begins on May 24. At the end of the camp, this race served as high-intensity practical training anticipating the main event.
■ Winner: Benjami Prades Comment
"I am really happy to be able to decorate my first J Pro Tour in about eight years, and my victory there, in the best possible way with the team's one-two finish. We were able to show 100% of the results of our training camp in Gero City. We aim to maintain this momentum in the Tour of Japan starting next week and aim for victory as a united team."
■ Director: Shinya Sato Comment
"I am extremely happy with the best result, a one-two finish by Benja and Geraldo. The race was held in the wonderful scenery of Mount Ontake, and I would like to thank the organizers and everyone involved. It was also a very meaningful opportunity to be able to participate in a race while holding a training camp at the nearby Ontake Nigorigo Altitude Training Center. We want to connect the results of this camp to the next event."
FAQ
When and where was VC Fukuoka's first J Pro Tour win?
It was at the 'JBCF Japan Pro Tour Round 7 Ontake Hill Climb' on May 17, 2026.
Who won the Ontake Hill Climb?
Benjami Prades of VC Fukuoka won, and his teammate Geraldo Ledesma took second place.
Where is the Ontake Hill Climb held?
It was held at the Mount Ontake Otaki Trailhead in Otaki Village, Nagano Prefecture.