2014 Cycling Events in Niseko

Playing second fiddle to winter and the snow, summer and bicycles are still a definite draw card to Niseko. However, it seems that with each passing summer, there is more and more recognition and interest with cyclists coming here to enjoy the crisp summer weather, and fantastic open roads.

There are several major organised events for 2014 – some of them purely social, others far more competitive.

Details are still a little short at this stage (the drawback of everybody still being incredibly busy with the winter season). For more information, or to organise cycling equipment (or just to have a chat about biking in Hokkaido), contact Rhythm Cycles or Groove Cycles Niseko.

Nature Ride Niseko – 12^th – 13^th July

Details are still to be confirmed, but last year’s event featured several rides, including a 60km ‘Enjoy’ course featuring a calm ride around the base of Mount Yotei. There is also the ‘Long’ course, which is a 110km from Niseko to Lake Toya and back, and the bonkers 200km ‘Challenge’ course, which includes the hills behind Niseko, and a lap around Lake Toya and back!

Check niseko-cycle.com for more information closer to the date.

Niseko Classic – 12^th – 13^th July

Again, details aren’t fully formed, but it will consist of some social rides, as well as a criterium-style race in Izumikyo.

Niseko Hill Climb – 3^rd August

A fully fledged race from Kutchan to the rear of Niseko at Goshiki Onsen. It’s only 15.5km from start to finish, but there is a 617m elevation gain, making for an average gradient of about 5% – not to be sniffed at. There are several categories, including elite, age groups and even MTB!

More details on the official page.

Ironman Japan – 24^th August

A real deal Ironman event, featuring 40 qualifying slots to the 2015 World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, which is sure to bring quite a few serious contenders.

It couldn’t be held in more beautiful surroundings, either. It starts with a 3.8km dip in the beautiful Lake Toya, which is the giant caldera of a (dormant) volcano. 180.2km on the bike around Lake Toya, including a quick 120km loop to Kutchan and back over a couple of mountain passes. If you’re still alive, there is still a 42.2km marathon run along the shore of the lake. Word is if you are still running as the evening settles in, you could be treated to a wonderful fireworks accompaniment that runs daily during summer.

More details on the official page.

Lake Toya Grandfondo – 27^th – 28^th September

Details are still to be finalised, but the event will feature several organised social rides around the beautiful Lake Toya. In the spirit of Grandfondo, there will be several distances to suit different levels of fitness.

Yotei Challenge (MTB) – TBA

The Yotei Challenge is more of an introduction to the sport of Mountain Biking than an event aimed at the already hard core off road riders. There will be events focusing on bike handling and skills training. It’s not all work and no play – there will be social rides in Rusutsu and Niseko, too.