Ep. 38: Sohoku Closes the Gap as Hakone Leads into the Final Descent

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Fukutomi accelerates to catch the front pack with six kilometers remaining, dismissing Midosuji’s claim that the race is controlled. Sohoku recovers and closes the distance while Onoda struggles with exhaustion, nearly falling twice before Imaizumi and Naruko assist him. Onoda resumes pedaling independently, with Tadokoro and Naruko helping the team draft up the mountain to maintain pace with Hakone. As both teams pull away, Midosuji initiates phase 49 for the downhill battle, positioning the aces and their launching pads at the front. With only four kilometers left in Day 2, the outcome remains uncertain as the competition intensifies.