Yesterday, I participated in the Hirata Cyclocross held at the Hirata Riverside Plaza in Kaizu, Gifu Prefecture, a location familiar to many from the Hirata Criterium! A pre-event was held last year, and this year, it officially became a race series. Since the first round was canceled, this second round was effectively the season opener. While it is not an AJOCC-sanctioned category race, it is easily accessible for riders in the Tokai region, making it a great event for anyone who wants to try out CX racing!
The course was laid out based on the park area inside the outer loop used for the Hirata Criterium. While there are no ups and downs, the layout becomes trickier as the speed increases. The course was set up compactly, which I felt made it very enjoyable for spectators as well.
Kansai CX was being held in Sakai on the same day, but many CRC members and regulars who often visit the shop participated in the Hirata CX!
Some CRC members even rode their bikes all the way from Nagoya with minimal gear!
The proximity to the spectators really keeps the riders motivated.
The categories range from C4 to C1, as well as Master, Women, Junior, and Kids, ensuring that anyone can participate. There is also an endurance race, so the whole family can enjoy a day out!
There were seven starters in the C1 category I raced in, and I finished in 2nd place. It was my first race in a while since the All-Japan Championships, and I gained a lot from it. Most of all, it was so much fun to race with everyone cheering me on. (I might look like I'm smiling, but I was at my limit! lol)
Next month, I'll be going on a bit of an expedition to compete in the C1 race at Cyclocross Tokyo on Saturday, 2/8. I rarely get the chance to race in the Kanto region, so I'm really looking forward to it! I'm also personally excited for a head-to-head match with Blue Lug Sergeant NB. (Go easy on me, Sergeant!)
So, Hirata Cyclocross is easily accessible from Nagoya, and the next event is on 2/16.
Many CRC members are planning to race next time, so if you're interested, please be sure to sign up! Yanac said he's going to race too!
Thank you to everyone at the Gifu Cycling Federation and all the race staff.
Let’s all work together to energize the cyclocross scene in the Tokai region!
Tucson was pushing his limits right to the very end...
Click here for more photos.
Click here for CRC Maekawa-kun's Flickr.