The first of two very long stages began with a moment of silence in commemoration of the lives lost in the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami , led by 's Fumiyuki Beppu , the only Japanese rider in the race . Beppu 's family was safe , and he chose to continue in the race
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
2011 Tirreno–Adriatico