For a new generation of riders in Hakuba, mountain biking is becoming more than just a way to spend the summer. With access to an expanding network of trails, bike parks, and technical alpine terrain, young local athletes are beginning to push themselves onto the national racing scene and pursue bigger ambitions within the sport. We recently caught up with three emerging riders from HHG Racing: Zenta Watanabe (14), Naoyuki Shimizu (14), and Sosuke Yanagisawa (13). Competing across the nation, the young athletes are chasing bigger goals in the sport, including dreams of one day racing on the World Cup stage.
Started riding: Beginning of junior high school, age 10
Focus: Downhill
Favorite training spot: Fujimi Panorama
Post-race meal: Pasta
Dream: Race in the World Cup and work in the MTB industry
“What I like
about Hakuba is
that there are
places close by
where you can
both snowboard
and mountain
bike.”
Naoyuki is aiming to compete in as many downhill races as possible this summer, including the national championships.
Started riding: Age 4
Focus: Downhill & Cross-Country
Favorite training spot: Mt. Koguma
Post-race meal: Pasta or steak
Dream: Race in the World Cup
“First, I want to
win nationals,
get selected
for the
development
team, and
compete in the
World Cup.”
When he’s not racing downhill events, Zenta is trail riding and training across the valley’s natural terrain.
Started riding: Elementary school, age 7
Focus: Downhill
Favorite training spot: Turning Japanese at Hakuba Iwatake
Post-race meal: Cup ramen
Dream: I want to become a World Cup rider and work in mountain biking.
“I want to
become a World
Cup rider and
work in mountain
biking.”
Sosuke draws inspiration from pro rider and Red Bull athlete, Matt Jones, whose creative approach to riding continues to influence the next generation of mountain bikers.
MARCH 28–29 Round 1—Sukumo City Hibira Park
APRIL 4–5 Round 2—UP MTB Park in Kannabe
MAY 9–10 Round 3—Yoshimuta Kogen DH Course
JUNE 5–7 Japan National Championships—Winghills
JULY 11–12 DHS Round 4—Hakuba Iwatake MTB Park
JULY 25–26 Shimano Bikers Festival—Fujimi Panorama Shimano Bikers Festival
AUGUST 22–23 Round 5—Niseko Annupuri MTB Park
SEPTEMBER 12–13 DHS Round 6—Fujimi Panorama Resort
OCTOBER 3–4 DHS Round 7—Azumino City Mountain Bike Course
NOVEMBER 28–29 Round 8—Trail Adventure Yoshinogari
DECEMBER 12–13 Round 9—Sram Park
