Special Thanks / Photo By Kenji Muto a.k.a @muto_photo
I’ve become completely hooked on sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN. I think that’s a wonderful thing.
I’m sure everyone has something in their life that they can truly say, "I love this!"
These days, everything is digitized, and it's said that connecting through invisible networks like Instagram and TikTok is a form of communication.
While I think it’s important to use such convenient tools to engage with others, at the end of the day, as human beings, I believe that connecting face-to-face is dozens of times more fun and valuable.
I’m still inexperienced, but I want to tell you all this one thing:
"Find what you love for yourself!"
So, I took part in this super intense race held in Kameoka, Kyoto, on Saturday, July 30th, 2022. I’d love for you to get a taste of the sfiDARE CRIT scene while the excitement is still fresh!!
Flat Bar Class Qualifiers & Finals
First up, the Flat Bar class! His nickname is Occhi (Mr. Ochiai), who gave us a "Good!" pose as if to say, "This is the one!" He’s been participating since the last UKAI CRIT 2022, always traveling all the way from Tokyo to make his mark. With his toughness, he went wild in both the Flat Bar and Advanced classes this time too!
The course this time was about 420m long—a thrilling layout that demanded power while also placing high importance on cornering skills! (Sweat & Surprise)
I felt that the corner work right before entering the back straight and before entering the home stretch was the key!
Other than that, I just hope each rider takes on the challenge with pride as an sfiDARE CRIT rider.
I’ll leave the course analysis at that—please enjoy the long-awaited Flat Bar class highlights!
It’s a different experience than drop bars, and the perspective is completely different, which makes it interesting.
Man, every rider looks like they're having such a blast! It might just be my personal take, but the riders who choose flat bars seem to keep their street-riding style intact, riding with a pure sense of enjoyment that isn't solely focused on winning.
Though, once that start signal goes off, they definitely switch into their "racing mode"! (Haha)
Kids can enjoy it too!
I noticed some kids looking at us with straight eyes, as if to say, "That's not fair, only adults!" so maybe we should let the adults take a breather?! (Haha)
Please take a look at the kids' trial session & race experience, which is a staple of sfiDARE CRIT!!
For families with small children, I’ve heard there might even be some fancy prizes if you come along to an event like this, or maybe not?!
Regardless of age, I felt I got a glimpse of children thoroughly enjoying their day. Thanks for injecting some healing and energy into us as we prepared for the finals!
With the thought of telling these kids, "Come back and play again!" let's move on to the awards ceremony.
Intermediate/Beginner Classes (Men/Women) Qualifiers & Finals
As many of you probably know, fixed-gear racing is done without brakes.
Of course, riding fixed-gear bikes on public roads without brakes is not permitted.
However, it is allowed in an environment like this that is formal and rule-based. Honestly, I remember feeling nothing but anxiety when I first started.
Now, I participate in sfiDARE CRIT clinics once a month, and practice for fixed-gear racing has become indispensable. Normally, we hold clinics at Hirata Riverside Plaza in Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture, so if you're interested, whether you're a boy or a girl, you're always welcome—come take a look!
Now, please take a look at the passionate performances of these riders who have so much potential! Be warned, you might find yourself thinking, "I want to try racing too!" (Haha)
Advanced Class Qualifiers & Finals
I can hear people from far away saying, "Where's Uno-chan??" but rest assured, I'll be appearing soon! And the sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN representative, Toshifumi Kodama (a.k.a. Tossy), will also appear.
In Kyoto last year, he unfortunately couldn't make it to the finals due to a crash in the qualifiers, so I heard he was very determined this time... I thought as much while I watched the practice runs, and I myself prepared for the race.
Besides that, there were powerful riders from the Kanto region, so I was incredibly nervous when I approached it, but I went in with the mindset that the qualifier was just like the final—not wanting to lose!
Either way, it’s a nail-biting development, so please watch carefully without missing a moment and enjoy "The Fixed Gear Race."
Advanced class riders run the qualifiers around 5:00 PM and are divided into two groups. The top 7-8 riders advance to the final. I rode in Qualifying Group A and successfully made it to the final, placing 6th out of about 15 riders.
Qualifying Group A included last year’s champion Rei Goto and favorite-to-win Yuwa Sadasue (a.k.a. Chan-Sada), and since it’s a rare experience to be able to ride while seeing the backs of the strong, I desperately clung on from the qualifiers (Sweat).
Well, as for my result, I crashed halfway through the final (I think on the 14th lap) and had to go off-course...
Normally, I was supposed to finish all 17 laps, so I regret that I couldn't complete it (Crying).
However, the time spent riding those 14 laps was brief but very rich in content.
I remember with regret that the back of Hajime Fuse (a.k.a. Hajime-chan)—who I unilaterally consider my rival (even though he's older, I call him Hajime-chan)—felt far away.
I won't lose next time!!
And the winner of the Advanced class this time was Yuwa Sadasue, a.k.a. Chan-Sada, who won with stunning strength!!!
He is just on another level. Even with his small build, where does he keep all that power?!
Watching him ride, it’s impressive how powerful and joyful he looks—even we, as fellow competitors, are drawn to it.
Chan-Sada, congratulations on the win! Let's meet at the next race!
In Closing
After finishing sfiDARE CRIT vol.8 in KYOTO NIGHT CRIT, I saw many wonderful smiles.
I believe we were able to hold such a great event precisely because of the collective energy of the children, riders, and the audience.
I fully understand that we are living in unpredictable times, but I want to spend my days focusing on what I can do now and engaging with various things without overthinking the unknown.
Once again, thank you for all your warm cheers at this race!
The next race is scheduled for Saturday, September 10th, 2022, and we are planning to open entries in mid-August! The venue will be Godo Central Sports Park in Gifu Prefecture, so whether you're nearby or not, I look forward to your challenges at sfiDARE CRIT!
But for those who have questions like, "What kind of bike?", "What kind of clothing?", or even "Can a beginner like me ride a fixed gear?", let me, Uno-chan, give you a simple presentation.
For those who want to try fixed-gear criterium...
First, the essential gear includes a fixed-gear bike (track bike), helmet, and cycling clipless pedals. We accept inquiries about gear at Circles. Also, sfiDARE CRIT clinics are held once a month, and if you book in advance, fixed-gear bikes are available for rent. Plus, there are no regulations on pedals or shoes for the clinics, so feel free to give it a try! (No, really—let’s do it!)
And here’s the important part!
Let me use Japanet UNO to promote the "MASH" bike I always ride, just a little bit. (Haha)
There are still worlds within "MASH" that I don't know about, so I can't talk deeply about its history, but I can clearly and confidently say it's the best bike for enjoying this kind of criterium.
In other words, I can't be a storyteller of its history, but I can say from experience that the "MASH Steel" is the best!!
Of course, I use this bike for everyday touring and commuting, and it can even handle rough roads. Please, challenge both criteriums and unpredictable rough roads with this "MASH Steel".
There’s a huge range of sizes available!
