One of the few photos I took during Gourmet Century.
※Many people are uploading fantastic photos of Gourmet Century one after another. Please be sure to check out #GCRASUKE.
After this photo was taken, dinner was coming up, and since it was my first time serving, I remember being unable to sit still.
And once it was over, the volunteers and staff were all smiles and filled with a sense of accomplishment.
I would love to keep soaking in the memories of Gourmet Century, but I can't really do that, as an event the CRC members and I are participating in next weekend is fast approaching.
As many of you probably know, this event originally started under the name "Gentlemen’s Race."
"Prestige," where teams of five aim for the finish line, is a race, but it also has a side that isn't a race.
Ranking is just a byproduct; you push toward the finish line with the combined strength of five people, traversing a path packed with elements like gravel sections and tough but incredibly dramatic hill climbs.
And the location for this 5th edition is none other than "Niseko, Hokkaido."
Located south of Otaru, it’s a place world-renowned as a ski resort.
With a tough course set at 143km and 2,735m of climbing, solid preparation is essential.
So, I'd like to introduce what I’ve prepared for Prestige.
Since there will definitely be a lot of gravel, I chose the durable and fast-rolling Panaracer Gravelking / 26c tires.
【Panaracer】Gravelking ¥4,400 (excl. tax)
I expect there will be many sections where we'll have to carry or walk our bikes, so I switched from road pedals to mountain pedals.
And taking this opportunity, I’m also getting a new pair of shoes.
【Giro】Privateer ¥19,000 (excl. tax)
And last but not least, energy bars, booster patches, and so on.
I also have to watch out for bug bites from bees and biting midges.
This is my first time in Hokkaido.
I am filled with excitement thinking about what kind of drama will unfold.
Also, every one of the CRC members participating this time, including myself, is a first-timer.
We are participating as the new generation of the Circles Racing Club.
Everyone, please wish us luck!