Fumiyuki Beppu - Japan's All Star Tour De France Cyclist

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - theirEarth was at the Opening Ceremonies yesterday evening for the "Grand Départ" (start) of the 2009 Tour De France. The First Stage of the race will start on Saturday and will be an individual time trial against the clock over a course length of 15.5 km. We photographed the Japanese professional cyclist Fumiyuki Beppu yesterday at the presentation of his cycling team Skil-Shimano at the Port in Monaco. The ceremonies were presided over by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Fumiyuki Beppu brings the hopes of Japan with him to this year's Tour de France, and the 26-year old rider who hails from Chigasaki is very familiar with the European roads as he spends his time training in both in Lyon, France and Hengelo in the Netherlands. Beppu was #1 in the Asian Championship last year, and has both won or placed 2nd or 3rd in French and Italian stage races over the last three years.

Fumiyaki is working hard to have a professional victory this year, and he says he is feeling much more at ease with his abilities to perform this season. With the presence of Beppu on the 2009 Tour De France, the Japanese television viewing audience is bound to be large as they root for their star cyclist as he competes in France.

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