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We interviewed several participants of the "Mt. Fuji Hill Climb Competition" about their own "style", including the attractive features of this sport and how it can be enjoyed.
Mr. Kosuke Hanada
Office worker / 27 age / Kanagawa Prefecture
This is what's good about hill-climbing!
When I was a student I usually went for bicycle trips, and then I started road cycling after getting a job. What attracts me is the aim to race against time. I think Mt. Fuji Hill Climb offers a course that is easy to jump right in.
This is the best reason for visiting Yamanashi!
Yoshida Udon
This is a pair of sunglasses from the same manufacturer as my regular glasses. It fits very well and I like it very much.
Mr. Yusuke Kato
Office worker / 27 age / Kanagawa Prefecture
This is what's good about hill-climbing!
I started cycling after my friend invited me, and this year is my third. Cycling through a distance which most people would usually use a car to climb over, makes me feel more confident and realize my own potential. It's like, "Wow, I can ride this far." Although Mt. Fuji Hill Climb has slopes, most are not steep. So it is an easy course to ride through.
This is the best reason for visiting Yamanashi!
Oshino Hakkai Springs
I choose the colors of the German flag for my spacer, because my beloved car is made by a German manufacturer.
Ms. Kaori Takeshita and Team Guevara
Office worker / in their 30s / Kanagawa Prefecture
This is what's good about hill-climbing!
We first knew each other at a bicycle manufacturer event, and after that all of us went to Okinawa to participate in a race there as a team. We have ten women participating in the team. I think what makes bicycles attractive is the good feeling you get the moment you start riding it.
This is the best reason for visiting Yamanashi!
Hoto
Flashiness is our first priority. Cuteness over function.
Mr. Fairmean Julien
Gear craftsman / 41 age / Tokyo Metropolis
This is what's good about hill-climbing!
I come to Yamanashi every week. It never occurred to me before that there is such a wonderful place only two hours away from Tokyo! I was born in Australia. I started my company, Fairmean, here in Japan, and we create outdoor products such as bags for wrapping bicycles to cover their frames and wheels. The wonderful thing about hill-climbing is that since I do trail running, I can ride my bicycle to get to the hilltop, then run while watching the wonderful scenery, and after that use my bicycle to ride downhill while seeing the wonderful scenery again.
This is the best reason for visiting Yamanashi!
Yatsugatake and Mt. Kitadake
Here I am in the tent that I made myself. What makes mountains so attractive is that you can stay overnight if you have a tent. In the link below you will find introduction of our products and the mountains of Yamanashi. Please take a look!
Fairmean
Mr. Tadashi Ishii
Organization staff / 65 age / Kanagawa Prefecture
This is what's good about hill-climbing!
I started cycling three years ago when my acquaintance invited me. What makes it attractive is that bicycles can take you far away. Somewhat different from walking or driving a car, there is an excitement that only comes from cycling the pedals at your own pace.
This is the best reason for visiting Yamanashi!
Yoshida Udon
When people tell me this is better than wheels or gears, my imagination goes wild.
Mr. Kazushi Nishida and his daughter
Office worker / in their 32s / Tokyo Metropolis
This is what's good about hill-climbing!
I started triathlon with my wife ten years ago, and I like cycling the most. As for hill-climbing, I have won a prize before at a competition in Norikura. I think the appeal is that you can just keep training, building up your experience and becoming stronger. I usually train myself using a bicycle roller in my home.
This is the best reason for visiting Yamanashi!
Odarumitoge Pass Hill Climb
I made this jersey together with my fellow rider friends who have children.
Mr. Seita Irikura
High school student / 17 age / Yamanashi Prefecture
This is what's good about hill-climbing!
I joined the bicycle club when I was a 1st-year student in high school. That was when I started cycling. I feel very happy when I compete in a race and manage to win. I try to lighten the bicycle as much as possible and increase its performance. This is the second time I am participating in the Mt. Fuji Hill Climb competition. The last time was long and exhausting, but I think I'll be able to ride faster this time.
Together with other students from Kyonan High School, Kofu Technical High School and Fuefuki High School, we entered the competition by recommendation from the League of Bicycle Racing in Yamanashi.
Mr. Hong Xingzhi
Office worker / in their 34s / Taiwan
This is what's good about hill-climbing!
I started cycling for my health since three years ago. It is a tough sport, but I really enjoy it when I reach the finish line, so I like riding on hill courses more than flatlands. The course of Mt. Fuji Hill Climb has the beautiful scenery of Mt. Fuji, so it feels good when riding through it. I usually listen to Japanese songs such as Chemistry when I cycle. Unlike Taiwan, Japan is bicycle-friendly. The roads are also smoothly paved, making it easy to cycle.
This is the best reason for visiting Yamanashi!
Yoshida Udon
Together with tour guide Ms. Natsumi. Cycling is a popular sport in Taiwan, so Mt. Fuji Hill Climb competition is also well-known in Taiwan. In Yamanashi, I plan to go to Asama Shrine, and then go sightseeing in Tokyo before I go back to Taiwan.
Kikumimi
It's a secret / it's a secret / Saitama Prefecture
This is what's good about hill-climbing!
What makes cycling interesting is that you can go far away feeling carefree. Even if it's tough at first, let's just endure and keep cycling.
This is the best reason for visiting Yamanashi!
Shingen Mochi (Rice Cakes)
I also have a road bike, but my style is to enter this competition with a city bike.
