The Niseko Classic takes place in the mountain town of Niseko on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island.
In Winter, it is a popular skiing destination, while in the Summer, visitors can enjoy a myriad of vistas while cycling, hiking or playing golf. The Niseko Classic has been on the UCI Gran Fondo World Series calendar since 2016 and makes for an exciting weekend of cycling through the mountains.
The event starts with an individual time trial on Saturday. Participants that seek to qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo Time Trial World Championship in Glasgow will have to complete a 15 km course in the nearby town of Kutchan. With only 100 meters of elevation, the course is fast and flat.
On Sunday, it’s time for the qualifiers for the 2023 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. Men ages 19-49 race a 150 km course with around 2.500 meters of elevation, including a climb that is 20 km in length. Participants will ride up the awe-inspiring Panorama Line climb, out to the Sea of Japan, and back to the finish line in Niseko.
Men 50+ and women have the 85 km race as their qualifying event. With 1.400 meters of climbing, this course will prove a hilly challenge.
With 1.100 riders from 21 countries starting in one or more of the three events, this is bound to be another successful edition of this mainstay event on our calendar.
