Sørensen solos in Japan

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Saxo Bank's Chris Anker Sørensen rode to his first win of the season at the last race of his season at the Japan Cup on Sunday. He finished 24 seconds ahead of Daniel Moreno (Caisse d'Epargne) and Ivan Santaromita (Liquigas).

Sørensen's solo victory came after repeated attacks in the final 40 kilometres of the race by the Dane and his Saxo Bank teammate Jens Voigt. With each of the race's ten circuits featuring a long climb, it was the young climber who broke the resolve of the remaining attackers.

"Chris and Jens opened the race with 40 kilometers to go, which suited Chris like a glove," said Saxo Bank sports director Torsten Schmidt after the race. "It's a great way to finish the season and it is rewarding to be the sports director for energetic and enthusiastic riders like these who are still motivated in the very last part of the season."

Despite the close attention of several Caisse d'Epargne riders, Sørensen was able to hold his advantage. Behind him Moreno, Santaromita and Spaniard Juan Jose Cobo (Fuji-Servetto) battled for the minor placings.

Sørensen crossed the line to become the first Danish winner of the race and the first non-Italian rider to claim the traditional end of season race in the past five editions. Moreno and Santaromita got the better of Cobo to fill the remaining podium spots.