Miyata Fans:
For what it's worth, racers sponsored by Miyata made a splash in the '80 and '81 Tours.
The 1980 team was Ijsboerke Warncke Koga Miyata. They finished second in the team classification (behind TI Raleigh). Team member Ludo Peeters finished 8th on GC, and team member Rudy Pevanage was the points champion (ahead of Sean Kelly, riding for the Splendor team). Pevanage also wore the yellow jersey during the first week. The bikes were blue with gold headtube/downtube/seatube bands, Dura Ace equipped.
The 1981 team was Capri Sonne Koga Miyata. This time they finished 3rd in the team classification behind Peugeot and Renault. Team member Peter Winnen finished 5th on GC and won the young rider classification. He also kicked major booty on Alpe De Huez, winning the stage and finished 8 sec up on Hinault, 9 sec up on Van Impe (on a "Boston" bike), and 12 seconds up on Alban on his Motobecane Team Champ.
Could it be that Miyata was the first Japanese frame to be ridden in the Tour?
Brad Stockwell Palo Alto
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