TOPEAK

​ The SDA in Otaki is the largest MTB marathon race in Japan, with over 1,500 competitors. Since there is no single day Marathon National Championship race in Japan, this is the race to decide the strongest Japanese marathon racer. Yuki has stood atop this podium in the past, so he knew what he had to do to win. 

​After the neutral roll out, the pace heated up and Yuki struggled to stay with the 2 riders leading the charge. A gap was made and Yuki settled into his pace, which would prove to be ideal as he began to feel better late in the race.

Yuki after the race, "My legs were not feeling well at the beginning. I did start to feel better later in the race, but the gap was too big to close in time. 4th place wasn’t what I wanted, but I did my best and left it all out there for the day."

​Results

1. Lysander Kiesel (German Technology Racing Team)
2. Asahi Miyazu (PAX Project)
3. Shun Matsumoto (Scott)
4. Yuki Ikeda (Topeak Ergon)
Next up for Yuki is the Rumble in the Jungle Stage Race in Sri Lanka. The rest of the team heads to Gunnison, CO for the Gunnison Growler.

Yuki Ikeda Bike Setting

​Yuki used to put all his mini tools, Co2 cartridges and personal belongings in a zip-lock bag to prevent from abrasive damage to spare tire in saddle bag.

• CANYON LUX CF 9.0 PRO RACE TEAM
• AERO WEDGE PACK (MICRO)
• MINI 9 PRO (GOLD)
• MICRO AIRBOOSTER
• 25G CO2 CARTRIDGE