
Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) has taken a solo victory in the ninth edition of the Saitama Criterium in Japan, narrowly fending off Vuelta a España champion Sepp Kuss (Jumbo-Visma) in a drawn-out two-up sprint.
Peter Sagan (Legends Team), who retires from road racing this season, claimed the final podium spot in the 59.5-kilometre, 17-lap, city centre exhibition event.
The criterium came down to a three-way battle between Kuss, Pogačar and Sagan after the trio built up a lead in the closing kilometres.