Estonian cycling veteran Rein Taaramäe will continue to race for the Japanese Kinan Racing Team this year. Taaramäe, who turns 39 in April, is one of three foreign riders on the team from the Land of the Rising Sun.
The other foreign riders in the Kinan Racing Team ranks are German Lucas Carstensen and Frenchman Thomas Lebas. To date, contracts have been signed with a total of 11 riders. The season kicks off with the Sharjah Tour in Iran from January 23–27, where Taaramäe finished second overall last year.
Kinan Racing Team secured two victories in 2025, both credited to Taaramäe. The Estonian was the best in the Estonian National Time Trial Championships and at the one-day race GP Ordu held in Turkey.
[Race Calendar - January]
— KINAN Racing Team (@KINANRacingTeam) January 5, 2026
The 2026 race season is about to begin. As announced at the end of last year, we will start our season at the Tour of Sharjah🇦🇪.
※For activities other than official races, please refer to the team's website, social media, and announcements from the riders themselves.#KINANRacingTeam #goKINANguys #Kinan… pic.twitter.com/4kGVPhG2Jr