Matsuyoshi Takahashi

Japanese cyclist Matsuyoshi Takahashi had a strong start to his career, winning gold in the team time trial and bronze in the road race at the 1979 Asian Cycling Championships in Kuala Lumpur. The following year Takahashi also became the national road race champion, winning the title in Shizuoka. He had further success at the 1982 Asian Games with silver in the team time trial on the road, along with a track silver in the points race.

Two years later Takahashi was selected to compete at the Los Angeles Olympics, finishing 45th in the road race. He won a further medal at the Asian Games with another silver in the team time trial in 1986 in Seoul. After winning the inaugural edition of the Tour de Hokkaido in 1987, Takahashi then turned professional, riding in the road race at the UCI Road World Championships in 1989 and 1990. Following his retirement he worked as a coach for the national cycling team, including at the 2012 London Olympics.