On June 11, the ANA Niseko Classic, one of the largest cycle races in Hokkaido, was held in the town of Kutchan in the Shiribeshi region of central Hokkaido. The event was held for the first time in three years due to the spread of coronavirus infections. On the first day of the event, time trials for men and women in different age groups were held on a 14.2 km course in the town, and about 120 amateur cyclists from throughout Japan and beyond participated in the early summer races at the foot of Mt. Yotei.

　The event, authorized by the International Cycling Union (headquartered in Switzerland), was held as a qualifying race for the World Championships to be held in Italy in September. The riders started one-by-one at set intervals, pushing themselves to the limit as they raced against time in the natural surroundings amid the fields.
　
Ushiyama Kyoichi (48), a company employee from Kagoshima Prefecture, who participated in the men’s 45-49 age group and won for the first time in his third attempt, smiled as he said, “I have been waiting for this race in Niseko for a long time. The air was delicious and it felt good.”
　
On June 12, road races were held through the four towns of Kutchan, Kyowa, Rankoshi and Niseko in the Shiribeshi region. For more details, please visit the Niseko Classic website (https://nisekoclassic.com/).