NTT Pro Cycling is delighted to be able to announce the signing of the Japanese National Road Race Champion, Shotaro Iribe.

His signing coincides with the conclusion of a very exciting week during which NTT Pro Cycling, formerly Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka, was officially launched at the home of NTT in Tokyo, Japan.

Iribe, 30, is a highly experienced UCI Asian Tour rider having spent the past eight seasons on the continental Shimano Racing Team, and in the process becomes the first Japanese rider to race for us.

He has been a very consistent performer on the Asian circuit but it has been over the past two seasons where he has really come into his own, as he raced to stage victories at both the Tour of Thailand and Tour de Kumano.

2019 saw Iribe earn the most prestigious result of his career, when he triumphed at the Japanese National Championships.

Iribe also competed at the official Tokyo 2020 Olympic test event in July this year, as he eyes a place on the national team for a home Olympics road race.

Sporting our striking new NTT colours, and in his national champion’s jersey, Iribe is certain to bring huge excitement among the Japanese fans as we look to compete at the Japan Cup, among others, and he now takes the step up to the WorldTour.

Shotaro Iribe – Rider

“I am very happy to be able to join NTT Pro Cycling. This is the challenge that I have been aiming for since I started bike racing. No words can describe how happy I am.

It’s never easy to challenge at this top-level but I am determined that I will be racing for the team by putting all my energy and soul into it. I would like to thank all those who have made this possible. Thank you very much.”

“この度はチームNTTに加入できる事出来て、大変嬉しく思います。競技を始めてずっと目標にしていた世界トップカテゴリーのチームで世界に挑戦する事が出来ます.

これは私にとってこの上ない幸せであります.

30歳から挑戦という事は決して簡単ではありませんが、私は全身全霊をかけてチームの為に走ります。ご尽力いただきました方々には感謝申し上げます。ありがとうございました.”

Douglas Ryder – Team Principal

“At the conclusion of a hugely significant week for our team we are thrilled to have Shotaro, the Japanese champion, join our team. Our time spent in Tokyo has been hugely fulfilling, and the passion with which we have been embraced has been truly humbling.

Being a national champion comes with great prestige and responsibility so to have the Japanese champion compete in the NTT Pro Cycling colours is hugely exciting.

Shotaro loves racing, takes his chances through being opportunistic and it is a real pleasure to have him as our 10th new signing. We can’t wait to get the 2020 season underway.”