Takashi Miyazawa

Miyazawa had a varied early career, riding cyclocross at first,^[3] then participating on various teams in Japan, Italy, and France, and even riding independently at times. He once quit road cycling to participate in the keirin school. Finally settling on road cycling with Bridgestone Anchor in 2005, Miyazawa quickly established himself as one of Japan's top sprinters, reaching the podium not only in Japan, but in Asia and Europe as well. He was Asian champion in 2007 and represented Japan in the 2008 Summer Olympics. He was hired by the UCI Professional Continental team Amica Chips-Knauf in 2009 but returned to his Japanese team when Amica Chips floundered due to financial difficulties. Joining Team Nippo in 2010, he won the Japanese national championship that year. On 28 October 2010, it was announced that Miyazawa had signed to ride with the new Italian Pro Continental team, Farnese Vini–Neri Sottoli, for the 2011 season.^[4] On 21 October 2011, it was announced that Miyazawa signed a one-year contract with UCI World Tour team Team Saxo Bank for the 2012 season.^[1]

For the 2014 season, Miyazawa rejoined Vini Fantini–Nippo,^[2] but announced his retirement at the end of that season.^[5] After his retirement, he assumed the post of manager of the Lemonade Bellmare cycling team.^[6]

In 2001, Miyazawa donated half his liver to his mother, who was suffering from cirrhosis of the liver.^[7]