Published on January 17, 2005

[Cycling] Koji Fukushima of Japan, a two-time winner on the international circuit last year, got off to a blistering start in the Tour of Siam 2005 yesterday when he crossed the line first in the opening 5.5km time trial in Chiang Mai.

Prajak Mahawong, from Thailand’s only professional cycling team Siam Bara, lead home the Asean riders in a field that has a strong international flavour.

Thailand’s first professional cycling event has attracted 107 riders from 15 countries.

The 852.3km race from Chiang Mai to Nakhon Nayok was launched with a spec-

tacular display at the Chiang Mai 700th Anniversary Stadium, including the “Klong Sabut Chai” Lanna drum dancing.

Fukushima from the Bridgestone-Anchor team tore up the time trial circuit with a remarkable time of 8.05 minutes to earn the yellow jersey for the first part of the main competition which kicks off today.

In second place was Irishman David McCann from Giant Asia who finished just one second behind. Australia’s Eddy Hollands of Marco Polo sealed third place in 8.12 minutes.

The experienced Fukushima who last year won the Tour of China and the Tour of Serbia said it was pleasing to earn the yellow jersey and he expected to keep his form in the coming stages.

Siam Bara’s Prajak finished in 32nd place with 8.42 minutes.

He acknowledged that he was not very well prepared physically but would push harder in the road stages.

The hard graft of profes-sional road racing gets un-

derway today when the cyc-

lists make their way from Chiang Mai to Prae, covering 204.8km.

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