Special Thanks / Photo By Kenji Muto a.k.a @muto_photo
Even if you fall, just get back up and give it everything as you race on.
That’s how I look back on the race in Odaiba, which was an incredible amount of fun.
The venue chosen for Round 2 of sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN was City Circuit Tokyo Bay in Odaiba, Tokyo, where fierce battles unfolded.
This first-ever venture into Tokyo was also a moment that offered a glimpse of even greater things ahead for sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN. With such an extraordinary lineup of riders and spectators, sfiDARE CRIT representative Toshifumi Kodama looked more dignified than ever.
I stepped into the venue, greeted the friends who always welcome me, and took a look around. I saw Yashiro, our DJ (known as Yasshi), fine-tuning tracks to get everyone’s hearts racing, as well as riders intently checking their bikes in preparation for their races.
Let me introduce someone here.
Here he is carefully applying an sfiDARE CRIT good-luck sticker.
It was a few years ago, though the memory is a little hazy. I was riding through the streets of Nagoya when someone suddenly called out from the side, “Hey! Good morning!” I remember thinking I didn’t recognize him, but I still remember him riding off with such effortless speed.
His name is Yuuki.
He’s a man of the streets of Nagoya, and on his days off he finds a favorite spot and enjoys a leisurely ride on his fixed-gear bike.
Another man, Yuuki’s close friend, is lighting up the streets of Nagoya with his own local spirit, sharing the joy and richness of fixed-gear riding—centered around alleycat races—with people young and old (girls are more than welcome, too). He is none other than Roo, leader of the Tokai Fixed-Gear Alleycat Gathering. He was laying down DJ sets with a vibe quite different from Yashiro’s.
“Roo, sorry I don’t have a photo of you—the one thing I really needed! Please DJ for us again at the next race in Kyoto! And thank you for cheering us on so warmly, even while drenched in sweat!”
So, if you’re wandering around Nagoya, you’ll find fun, kind-hearted friends all over the place. Please be sure to check out the “Tokai Fixed-Gear Alleycat Gathering” too!
Taking a Cue from the Kids
We should always be polite and never forget that attitude, even as adults.
I think children are the best role models—a mirror for us all.
The kids checked their starting positions and each took to the circuit safely. Some of them rode with such smoothness and style that they could put the adults to shame!
The kids rode lap after lap around the Odaiba circuit safely and with such joy—it really made an impression.
To all the kids and families across the country: if you’d like to get on a bike and ride around the course, don’t hesitate to knock on sfiDARE CRIT’s door!
The Heats Were Intense
The course was about 420 meters per lap, and the qualifying heats were 12 laps (reduced to 8 laps starting with Heat 3). There were five heats, with the top five from each advancing to the final.
During practice, each rider took to the course to get a feel for its features. This is just my personal opinion, but from going to race after race, I’ve come to think that the key is how well you can get a feel for the race during practice.
For this course, I figured that the important thing was to get through the corners with as little effort as possible, while maintaining a steady pace without letting up on the pedals. I went into practice thinking this through, even though I wasn’t entirely sure.
Uno-chan also gave it his all in the qualifiers, so please enjoy the fierce, dramatic action from all the riders, along with a look at his race!
I couldn’t take my eyes off the action from the very first heat.
As the race got underway, all the riders tore around the circuit at full speed in a light drizzle.
There was a crash among the lead group at one point, allowing riders behind to move up the rankings. Although passing opportunities were limited, staying calm and using the rain to your advantage meant there were as many chances to improve your position as there were raindrops.
Uno-chan lowered his tire pressure to suit the road conditions before the race.
He also got some advice from his close friend Takuto Watanabe (known as Nabetaku): “Uno-chan, it’s raining, so stay calm and you can win!!” Just as he’d been told, Uno-chan weaved through the gaps between riders and narrowly qualified in fifth place.
Turning Bad Weather Around
Odaiba is in trouble...
The first two qualifying heats had gone smoothly, without any issues.
Then a sudden thunderstorm hit, and Mr. Kodama announced a temporary suspension.
There was nothing we could do about the weather, and while the riders were understandably unsettled for a moment, everyone stayed calm, gazing at the sky and trusting that the race would resume.
Thanks to that, the storm passed and the qualifying heats were able to resume safely.
With a fresh start, hit play and watch the riders power and dart around the course as if the awful weather were nothing at all—no fast-forwarding!
Watching a race up close in person is truly moving.
I want you to know that you can hear the riders’ breathing and the tires gripping the ground—and, above all, that the spectators’ cheers, heard from so close by, are the greatest source of energy for the riders!
Yuki Ochiai (known as Occhi), born in Tokyo, improves with every race. He’s always cheerful and full of energy, and what stands out is how he rides with a smile on his face—even during the race.
He’s not messing around, by any means. (Laughs)
You could say it’s just Occhi’s way of putting on a show.
When winter comes, he’s a true racing fanatic who throws himself into cyclocross races, too.
I first met Occhi about two years ago, when we greeted each other at an sfiDARE CRIT event.
He’s currently a graduate student, but he’s always been so friendly in chatting with someone like me. “I look forward to seeing you again!”—every time we meet at a race, he gives me that cheerful greeting. I’ve found myself gravitating toward Occhi, just because I want to hear him say it again.
“Occhi, I hope we’ll keep getting along just as we are!”
On to the Final
Win or lose, this is the final showtime—the final race!!
How will the riders who made it through the qualifiers make their mark in the skies over Odaiba?
Right after the start, there’s a crash at the first corner!
With about 25 riders on the course, it was difficult to adjust their lines, and the wet pavement seemed to make the riders feel even more pressure.
Even so, the race went on, and with every lap the pace picked up as the riders fought to stay with the lead pack.
Partway through, anyone who fell behind the lead pack was automatically pulled from the race. It felt like Uno-chan had barely been out there for five laps before she was abruptly taken out of the race.
Who is this rider, covered in scrapes...?
I’ve had the chance to race sfiDARE CRIT several times, but I can’t believe I’ve never seen this tall guy tear around the course before.
“Bib number: 080” He may be a newcomer.
I’m sure he’ll show up at the next race in Kyoto, too, so I’m hoping to talk to him in person then.
But his riding was incredible. He raced beautifully and fluidly from start to finish, giving those of us cheering him on a real boost.
“Congratulations on the win! I look forward to seeing you again.”
To wrap up
I want to race in Odaiba again.
Even now, just sitting here staring at my computer, that moment comes rushing back.
There’s no way to describe it other than “fun.”
It may sound like a cliché, but I really feel that this is something only those who have challenged themselves can experience.
I’m not saying everyone should enter a race.
I hope everyone will keep reaching for what feels right to them, experiencing plenty of successes and failures along the way.
I know I’m sounding a bit preachy, but Uno-chan is still learning too. I hope to keep moving forward with a positive attitude and never lose my curiosity.
And finally, sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN, I love you.
From Uno-chan
