English
The Panaracer NISEKO GRAVEL, a hybrid fun ride event held every spring and autumn, took place on 13 – 14 September for its autumn edition. Among its riders is Takahito Kishi, professional cyclist, coach, and a first-time visitor to Niseko. A good friend of Kohei Uchima, he shared with us his first ever Niseko Gravel experience, as well as useful tips and advice for his fellow cyclists and gravel riders.
On Niseko Gravel and Niseko
Now that this year’s Niseko Gravel Ride is over, how was your experience? Were there any particular memorable moments during the ride?
I’ve gone riding in Hokkaido 2-3 times now, but this is actually my first time doing gravel. I had a lot of fun. The scenery and the roads here are something that I wouldn’t normally encounter in Tokyo, and the entire mountain pass – both ascent and descent – being a gravel section, is something you cannot find elsewhere in the archipelago. The whole experience was amazing – in every sense of the word.
Could you tell us more about the strategy and pacing you’ve used during this ride?
Since this was my first gravel event, I decided to simply just enjoy the whole 100-kilometre ride. It was surprisingly long so I took it easy from the start and enjoyed the scenery and road while riding.
Why is Niseko such an appealing destination for cyclists? Compared to other cycling areas, what is so special about Niseko’s terrain and environment?
I think Hokkaido as a whole is a great place for cyclists. However, Niseko is one of a kind. Coming to Niseko for the first time, I think being able to hold big and large-scale events like the Niseko Gravel is something really unique to Niseko and that’s what really draws cyclists to come here. The gravel roads here – which you cannot find anywhere in the Kanto region – feel fresh and never get boring. There is no other location in Japan that surpasses Niseko and Hokkaido as a whole when it comes to location and gravel riding.
What advice do you have for cyclists coming to Niseko for the first time?
You’ll stop wanting to cycle in your area anymore (laughs).
On Coaching
What made you decide to become a cycling coach?
I wanted to share my experiences as a former athlete with recreational cyclists. Being a coach for cyclists was an untapped market because while there are plenty of coaches who use data analysis, there are not many who actually teach and understand real form and riding technique – which I think is more enjoyable than numbers.
Could you share with us your pre-competition routine or personal motto?
“Just have fun!”
On Cycling/Gravel Riding
Do you have any advice for amateurs or beginners in gravel riding?
Have fun and keep up with your bike’s maintenance. It’s easy to let our excitement get ahead of us and that could lead to dangerous situations while gravel riding. I think that’s the most important thing: make sure your bike is in good shape, calm yourself down, and focus on enjoying the ride.
What are some major mistakes you see amateur cyclists often make? And how can they avoid them?
Things beyond riding a bike, such as bike maintenance and body care, tend to be overlooked by amateur cyclists but are actually often key points (in cycling).
What are the three most important points when training for gravel rides and endurance races? Any advice on avoiding injuries?
First, building endurance to cover long distances is crucial. Establish your own system for handling those long distances like going on rides for extended periods of time (around 3 hours), and then focusing on things like nutrition during those long rides, and pacing your breathing to prevent getting exhausted quickly. Paying attention to these things during training before the actual ride can make a difference.
Outside your rides, moderate strength training and basic conditioning are also necessary.
On Rest and Recovery
How important is rest and recovery for cyclists?
Cycling tires you out more than you think, so remember to ride within your limits. If you are tired, don’t force yourself to continue riding.
What do you look for in accommodations during training or race periods?
I have a lot to say about this question, in a good way. I used to be a cyclist who carried my bike around, and staying at hotels with a bike is pretty common. But bikes inevitably attract attention from the general public and you often get those curious looks. In that context, having places to store bikes at hotels, or even just being able to take a quick shower after a ride—these small things make a huge difference. For cyclists, having these amenities creates a much more comfortable environment and really enhances the enjoyment of cycling.
How do you think athletes can benefit from staying in a place like Setsu Niseko?
For cyclists, it is important to be in a stress-free environment outside of riding our bikes. This was possible with Setsu. It is the kind of place where once you’ve stayed here, you will want to come back again.
We always strive to provide our guests the very best of Setsu Niseko, carefully curating special offers and services with their needs in mind.
