Special Thanks / Photo By Go Sato a.k.a @fumikirigang
As always, I had a blast at the “sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN” event. It’s been about four years since I first learned of this team’s existence.
The impact it had on me back then is something I still haven’t forgotten, leaving a memory so vivid it’s hard to put into words.
Driven by the desire to experience that same inspiration myself, my first step was to visit the representative of sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN, Mr. Toshifumi Kodama.
He runs a small shop called 104 Cycle in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, where he handles bicycle repairs, sales, planning, and operations. When I first met Kodama-san, it was such an interesting time, re-inspiring me with the fun of fixed-gear bikes and hearing about the origins of the sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN team.
When I visited, he said, "Sorry about the place, but pull up a chair." "By the way, I actually don't know anything about you, Uno-chan haha."
"Wait, that's right, isn't it? I knew you worked at Circles, but... what brought you all the way here?"
At first, I was a bit taken aback by Kodama-san, who talked so much I couldn't even find a moment to get a word in (haha). But as he treated me to some warm coffee, my nerves eased, and I recall how he responded so wholeheartedly when I told him why I had visited.
I also have a friend who taught me the excitement of competitive cycling. His name is Jasmin Ten Hoven, a man who now lives in faraway Canada.
He is also a member of sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN, and he’s such a nice guy who is always kind to everyone and keeps thinking about the cycling world in terms of peace.
Meeting him led to us doing early morning rides from Circles to Seto, and training on our fixed-gear bikes at Nagoya Port. Through cycling, even though we speak different languages, we connected soul-to-soul, and I feel that every time we reunite, we can just pick up right where we left off.
Without him, I wouldn't be writing this article today. He is a dear friend who has had such a huge influence on me. I’ve received happy news that a criterium race will be held in Canada in mid-June this year, with a message saying, "How about it? Uno, come on over to Canada!"
If I can manage to meet that expectation, I definitely want to reach out to him again. "Jasmin, thanks for reaching out. If I can't go for work, I'll bring my bike and come visit during my long vacation!"
I’ll stop rambling about my memories here, but I hope you enjoy seeing how my first criterium race of the year went!
To everyone who read this article, I look forward to your visit to sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN!!
The Scene is Alive
Injuries are part and parcel of criterium racing.
I’ve been hurt plenty of times myself... (ouch). From skinning my elbows to hitting my hip bone hard.
Even so, I sometimes wonder why I keep doing it without learning my lesson.
There are various reasons, but the main one is that sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN has such a well-organized operation. In this good environment, where both riders and spectators have mutual understanding, I feel that the event succeeds because it strikes a good balance between where to have fun and where to keep things sharp and tense.
It’s a world of serious competition, but the fundamental point is "to have fun." While every rider might have a different "range of fun," personally, I want to ensure my "range of fun" is wider than anyone else’s!
That said, regarding the results of this race... although I made it to the finals, the result was pathetic, so I need to get back on the trainer and pedal like Yowamushi Pedal for the next race. (haha)
Kodama-san, I’m counting on your guidance!! (sweat)
Cherishing the On and Off
The highlight reel of the scene isn't just about the race itself.
Communication with the people who gather there, reuniting with friends, and meeting new people for the first time are all woven into this scene.
A reunion I was personally happy about was finally seeing Yuya Kodama-kun (a.k.a. Kodamatchi) again, who I did a hardcore athletic-style ride with last winter break from Numazu in Shizuoka Prefecture to Lodge Kind in West Izu (about 180km round trip). We first met when I greeted him at last year's criterium race in Kameoka, Kyoto Prefecture.
From our conversations there, he showed a lot of interest in sfiDARE CRIT, and his positive attitude of "I'll definitely get revenge next time!" inspired me as well. Seeing him compete again after racing in Yokohama last year, his drive for revenge really comes through.
We kept in touch and decided, "Alright! Let's go on a ride together!" which is how we ended up doing that athletic ride! (haha) Kodamatchi, let's keep enjoying sfiDARE CRIT together!! Looking forward to it.
And as for new encounters, people from "BLUE LUG," who are colleagues in the cycling industry and great rivals, also came all the way from Tokyo to join in, including Inohara-san (a.k.a. Duncan-kun) and Yamaguchi-kun (a.k.a. Takuma-kun)!
I have to say, Duncan-kun and Takuma-kun seem like advanced-level racers, and it was frustrating to watch their backs gradually drift further away.. "Duncan, Takuma. And Daichi-kun too. (sweat) I'll be waiting for you in Kyoto for the next race!! I won't lose!"
That’s right.. I’m going to Tokyo next month, so I’ll be showing up at Blue Lug then!
Please give me a warm welcome when I do. (haha) I’ll bring some souvenirs!
Spin Room!!
SupinRoom (Spin Room) is a group that provides an attraction where two stationary rollers are set up to compete in a virtual sprint.
This time, the event started during the after-party following the race, and you could get a glimpse of everyone having a lively and fun time. So, please do hop on a bike for dessert after your meal.
The fun of Spin Room is to dash through a virtual 200-meter straightaway as speedily as possible with high-cadence pedaling, competing against each other's times—it's a game that simply separates winners from losers!
Toranosuke Kodama-kun (a.k.a. Tora-chan), who was also participating in a race for the first time in a while (and by the way, he was the winner of this race!!), started stripping off his clothes, showing his intense focus. "Tora-chan, full power, please."
So, what did you think of this sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN event?!
I believe everyone had a happy, safe day without any major injuries!
I’m grateful to be in a position where I can continue to support sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN, and I’m incredibly excited to see you all again in Kyoto next time!
Until then.
From Uno-chan
https://www.instagram.com/safety_uh__yan0209/