Japan's rising sun emblem isn't a common sight in the pro peloton. The two chacters read Nippon, Japanese for Japan - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
As part of Europcar, Arashiro has a huge selection of bike models from which to choose. For most stages of the 2014 Tour, he has been on this M10 - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
The 29-year-old has won the Japanese national road title twice - Tim De Waele / tdwsport.com
Colnago's red spade and Japan's sun work together nicely, we think - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
Campagnolo Super Record RS is a hyper-limited race group that just preceded the latest Super Record - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
Europcar mechanics keep Arashiro's 11-speed chain in immaculate condition - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
A bit of sandpaper is used for extra grip between the front derailleur and the mount - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
Look Keo pedals with a special touch - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
Between the new Canyon and Bontrager integrated bar/stems, and the offerings of Ritchey and this Deda Alanera, integrated cockpits are enjoying a small resurgence - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
Campagnolo Ultra 35s were the first Campy wheels to get a diamond-etched braking surface, which works well in the wet - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
Hutchinson's Pro Tour tubular now comes in a 24mm width - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
Arashiro on the front on stage 13 of the 2014 Tour de France - Tim De Waele / tdwsport.com
Now in his sixth year on a major French pro team, Yukiya Arashiro is racing this year’s Tour de France aboard a custom-painted M10. As the sole Japanese rider in this year’s Tour, Arashiro has a white Colnago M10 with a few red sun discs from Japan’s flag and the characters for Nippon (Japan).
Europcar has more varieties of road bikes to choose from than any other team at the Tour. While compatriot squad AG2R-La Mondiale is racing all the road stages on one bike, the Focus Izalco Max, Europcar riders have five: the C59, C60, V1-r, CX Zero and the M10. Despite that, Europcar does not have a power-meter sponsor. A simple Sigma computer adorns Arashiro's integrated Deda Alanera bar/stem combo.
As a domestique at the Tour, Arashiro likely won’t earn much TV time or any headlines, but the two-time Japanese national road champion did score a 10th place finish at the Amstel Gold this year. In 2012 he won the Tour du Limousin.
As part of europcar, arashiro has a huge selection of bike models from which to choose. for most stages of the 2014 tour, he has been on this m10: as part of europcar, arashiro has a huge selection of bike models from which to choose. for most stages of the 2014 tour, he has been on this m10 - Ben Delaney / Future Publishing
Earlier this year we profiled his Colnago C59 with a similar paint scheme.
Click through the gallery above for a closer look at his Colnago M10.
Ben Delaney is a journalist with more than two decades of experience writing for and editing some of the biggest publications in cycling. Having studied journalism at the University of New Mexico, Ben has worked for Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, VeloNews and BikeRadar. He has also previously worked as Global Brand Communications Manager for Specialized. Ben covers all things road and gravel, and can be found logging big miles in the Rocky Mountains that nestle alongside his home in Boulder, Colorado. He has covered the most important bike races in the sport, from the Tour de France and Tour of Flanders, to the Unbound gravel race, and specialises in tech content, showcasing what the pros are riding and putting everyday equipment through its paces.
This website is owned and published by Our Media Ltd. www.ourmedia.co.uk
