Special Thanks / Photo By Kenji Muto a.k.a @muto_photo
I feel a joy in this race that is unusual for me.
Regardless of the reasons, since this is my comeback race, I intend to power through the 2025 series matches that have just begun.
It’s hard to believe it’s already been about six years since I was first captivated by sfiDARE CRIT.
Not to brag, but I pride myself on having a drive to act that is second to none. Through meeting Mr. Toshifumi Kodama, the days I’ve spent walking alongside sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN—a new endeavor still in the process of growth—have become something irreplaceable to me.
Looking back at the races so far, there have been times of joy, but also plenty of times where I felt frustrated and pathetic.
However, I believe that those feelings only arise because I have teammates.
Keeping those important feelings in my heart, I will look back at my comeback race, the GIFU 2025 Block CRIT.
Deepening our connections further
Their smiles are dazzling.
They have traveled all the way from South Korea to attend sfiDARE CRIT events for the past few years. (Maximum energy!)
⭐️ By the way, the top 3 in the final were all from South Korea, which was just breathtaking! ⭐️
I’m genuinely happy about this, and I get excited every time teammates (friends) from across borders, not just within Japan, come to compete.
Honestly, I haven’t been able to deepen my connection with them yet, so I’m hoping to communicate with them properly at the next race in Odaiba.
To my regret, I couldn’t race alongside them in the final, but I watched them instead as a supporter. Seeing their incredibly powerful riding, they had smiles on their faces the whole time, performing in a way that entertained both the racers and the audience as if they were holding a parade!
Reconfirming the joy
I feel relieved to have been able to participate in this race.
Six months after my crash last year, I was looking at the venue with the fresh mindset of a beginner.
There was a time when I felt so discouraged in both body and mind that I thought I might never be able to "grip the handlebars tight" again.
Even so, I think I spent the time feeling grateful that I could run with my bike to my heart’s content on such a wonderful stage.
The venue in Gifu-Hashima welcomed us in great condition, blessed with good weather.
Under the clear blue sky, Akira Sawatari (a.k.a. Sal-san) of DAISY MESSENGER, looking great in a purple T-shirt, was doing pre-race bike checks with a serious gaze, revealing his loving maintenance work.
It brings back nostalgic memories of when I first started working at Circles, visiting Daisy Messenger expecting to be corrected, and getting one-on-one pointers from Sal-san, saying, "Well, about this... uh..."
Seeing Sal-san leave behind the words, "I’ll be at every venue this season, so count on me," made me want to steel myself again.
Children are treasures
Taking on a challenge for the first time requires courage.
I repeat the same thing over and over again.
I strongly believe there is great meaning in repeating things.
Please take a look at these photos of the children, filled with courage and vitality, with the hope that they will continue to take on challenges in the future.
In closing
I wonder if the sound of the starting pistol is already echoing towards the next race in Odaiba, Tokyo. (-ODAIBA BAY CRIT- Entries are still open!)
Of course, I will be competing too!!
I want to take what I’ve learned from this time and throw myself into the race in Odaiba.
And once again, I would like to express my gratitude to all the staff members involved in the operation of sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN.
We racers must not forget that this glamorous stage is made possible by the incredible manpower behind the scenes.
As we move into the hotter season, I hope all the staff members take care of your health while operating the remaining series.
We racers are confident we can put on passionate races, so please stick with us.
If you feel like you’re going to faint from the heat, Uno-chan will give you a hug!
(That might just make it hotter, though, haha.)
In closing, we love sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN.
See you in Odaiba.
Uno-chan
