Fumiyuki Beppu became the third Trek rider in three days to win a national time trial title when he emerged as the strongest in the battle for the jersey in Japan. Beppy beat Junya Sano by 30 seconds to take the win for the third time in his career.

In May, Kristof Vandewalle became the first Trek rider to win a national time trial title in 2014. Two days ago Fabian Cancellara became the second by defending his title in Switzerland and yesterday Laurent Didier took the jersey off the shoulders of teammate Bob Jungels in Luxembourg.

Today Fumiyuki Beppy became the third rider in three days to secure a TT title for the team when he beat Junya Sano by 30 seconds on a 40.2km course in Iwate. Genki Yamamoto (Vini Fantini) was a distant third, 2.10 behind the new champion.

The win was Beppu's third in the event after he took a first victory in 2006 and a second one in 2011. Having recently come out of the Giro d'Italia in good condition, he is one of the favourites for Sunday's road race as well.

Result:

1. Fumiyuki Beppy 53.01

2. Junya Sano +0.30

3. Genki Yamamoto +2.10

4. Takayuki Abe 2.24

5. Atsushi Oka +3.33