We participated in "Rapha Prestige in Niseko" in a way that felt like us.
With the magnificent backdrop of Niseko, Hokkaido, overlooking Mount Yotei, there were plenty of dramatic moments that only participating riders could experience.
"Rapha Prestige" is like an adventure that captures the true essence of road riding, packed with elements like gravel and tough, highly dramatic hill climbs.
The course for this year's Niseko event covered 143km with 2,735m of climbing.
Unlike previous members who have participated, our team consisted of all first-timers, including myself, all part of the 20-something new generation.
Although we each have different riding styles we normally enjoy, by wearing the same team jersey and aiming for the same finish line, a sense of unity was born naturally, more so than ever before.
During a grueling 30km gravel stretch, we dealt with my own crash and a companion's derailleur being torn off, but the five of us helped each other and kept pushing forward while enjoying the ride.
While it is a race to compete for speed, how much you can enjoy the ride is also an important point. It is a philosophy of riding that we keep as a theme in our daily lives.
I wanted to drink coffee while looking at the vast scenery of Hokkaido!
Based on that idea, we decided to take a break with "coffee" and "Earlybirds with KiizsmiLe energy bars," which helped soothe our bodies tired from the hard gravel.
This "Rapha Prestige in Niseko" was filled with wonderful encounters and discoveries, and I am very grateful for the warm welcome we received as first-time participants.
To the organizers, the volunteers, and all the riders who spent time in the saddle with us, thank you very much!
>>>Click here for more photos!<<<
>>>Check out the photos uploaded by each team on Instagram with the tags
#raphaprestige and #rpniseko!<<<
>>>Check out the photos uploaded by us, Circles Racing Club, with #crcinniseko!<<<