How many "turning points" have you all experienced in your lives? When it comes to cycling, and life in general, I’m still just a fledgling. That said, I’m already pushing thirty. (Haha)
I’m getting sidetracked, so let’s get to the main point. Please take a look at the upgraded sfiDARE CRIT Halloween Night held at Rainbow Sports in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, following the previous event in July (sfiDARE CRIT workshop & race)!
Kids' Cycling Lesson
First off, to avoid being tricked by the kids yelling "Trick or Treat!", we brought in a bumpy mini pump track instead of candy! But don't worry, the participants were treated to delicious and cute muffins! They were incredibly tasty.
The instructors were former keirin cyclists. They taught the kids how to have fun with bikes in a friendly and thorough manner. After that, we added a bit of excitement for the kids with a 50m straight-line time trial. The event concluded with a Halloween-style awards ceremony and some delightful prizes.
sfiDARE CRIT Workshop
Before the race, sfiDARE CRIT always includes a course practice session. Starting around 2:40 PM, the riders spent about 50 minutes navigating the course. It’s a crucial time to plan race strategies, such as determining lines and deciding where to make an attack.
This race utilized a go-kart circuit, making it a very technical course with roughly 710 meters per lap and many corners.
I focused on attacking the circuit’s specific shallow and deep curves without hesitation. After the practice session, the racers adjusted their gear ratios to suit the unique course.
sfiDARE CRIT Qualifiers
Finally, the qualifying races are about to begin!
It’s just past 4:00 PM. Riders are divided into groups A through D, with about 15 people in each. The qualifiers consist of 8 laps. I was in Group A with 14 other runners, and the top 5 riders qualify for the Super Final (20 laps).
Riders from 6th to 10th place move on to the A Final (12 laps), and those in 11th place and below go to the B Final (8 laps). This match-race format, which ensures riders aren't finished after just one race and keeps them engaged, might be why sfiDARE CRIT is so popular.
As for the qualifying results...
I was competing on the bubble for a spot in the Super Final, but I got impatient in a corner near the end of the 7th lap, crashed, and failed to advance. (Sob)
It was my first time experiencing an injury like this in a fixed-gear race. Honestly, I’m just relieved it was only me. My MASH AC-1’s bar tape is shredded, but the bike survived! (Sweat)
Even so, I’m satisfied to have experienced the true thrill of fixed-gear racing, pain and all! I just hope it doesn’t become a trauma... (Haha)
Fixed Gear Trick Class
Once the qualifying races settled down, a fixed gear trick class was held.
It covered the basics of tricks like track stands and skids (locking the rear wheel). The racers participated voluntarily, creating a fun atmosphere. We also got to see the top-class techniques of @teppeiwabuchi and @sada_markers.
I can’t do any tricks at all, so I’m planning to watch YouTube and practice steadily. (Haha)
sfiDARE CRIT Finals
Now, let's get to the main event starting at 7:00 PM!! First up is the B Final (8 laps), where those who placed 10th or lower in the qualifiers compete. It’s getting quite cold, so racers, please be careful not to get hurt...
It’s really starting to feel like a Halloween night race! Next is the A Final (12 laps) for those who placed 6th to 10th in the qualifiers.
I was chosen for the A Final as well, but because of my fall and not being at 100%, I withdrew. I’ll prepare so I can explode onto the scene in the next race!
And it’s not just for the men. sfiDARE CRIT is actively looking for female participants! This time, too, the vibrant performance led by Kazuyo Kodama and the other talented women was truly brilliant!
Super Final
Lastly, it’s time for the Super Final (20 laps).
The spotlights illuminating the course are dazzling.
Moms and kids watching their dads from the stands, staff with cameras at the ready in the cold to make sure they don't miss the best shot—the tension with everyone watching was incredible. Without further ado, here’s the race!
The race was won by Toranosuke Kodama, son of Toshifumi Kodama, the representative of 104 Cycle. Congratulations!!
In terms of the race flow, Toshifumi "Tossy" Kodama held the lead in the beginning, followed by Eiya Hashimoto—who has been selected for the Tokyo Olympics Omnium team—with Toranosuke and "Chan-Sada" (Sada, the representative of BLACK SOX BICYCLE CLUB) chasing intently right behind him. It was a high-speed development that continued right until the very end.
The race was decided on the straightaway following the final corner of the last lap, a development that drew in every spectator watching. It was truly a spectacular race, and I’ll do my best to someday break into this group!
In closing, as the world struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic, I am deeply grateful to have been able to enjoy such a wonderful event together in person, thanks to the immense efforts of everyone at sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN.
I am also filled with gratitude for those who provided warm food stalls in the freezing weather, not just the race itself.
While we are still in a situation where caution is required, I want to spend my days thinking about how people can lead safe daily lives, without being focused solely on cycling. Thank you. Until next time! – Uno-chan
Special Thanks / Photo By Daisuke Kitagawa＆Kazuhito Kondo＆Ryousuke Takei