Villella beats Orica-BikeExchange pair in Japan Cup

Cannondale-Drapac's Davide Villella captured his first professional victory at the expense of Orica-BikeExchange pair Chris Juul-Jensen and Robert Power.

The Japan Cup podium: Chris Juul-Jensen, Davide Villella, Robert Power. Source: Getty

Villella attacked the steepest climb on the final lap of the 144.2km, 14-lap Utsunomiya circuit,  to win solo.

“I have missed a victory all season, so I’m really happy to get the win here today,” said Villella. “The teamwork, all of the teammates and all of the staff, was amazing.”

“I want to say a very big thank you for the team that believed in me and helped me all the day. We had a great group here, and I could not do it alone.”