At the Niseko Classic, athletes tackle breathtaking climbs up mountain routes, race through lush forests and race along the shores of the Sea of Japan. With the majestic Mount Yotei and Niseko mountain ranges as its backdrop, the race continues a tradition that celebrates the natural beauty of the region and promotes local revitalization through active tourism.

In addition, this year's Niseko Classic will feature a team relay, an individual time trial, and a fun ride that anyone can easily join, for the first time in Japan. With an expected increase in participants, this event will be a big step towards the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.

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Niseko Classic 2025 to be held in June! An important prelude to the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships
2025.02.14
The attention of the cycling world will once again be on Niseko, Hokkaido, with the traditional Niseko Classic 2025 taking place from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th June. A thrilling experience for both competitors and spectators, the event will also be an important prelude to the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships 2026, which will be held in Niseko from 28th to 31st August 2026.

Entries for the Niseko Classic 2025 and Fun Ride will open on February 21, 2025.

Register on the official website! → https://nisekoclassic.com/

At the Niseko Classic, athletes tackle breathtaking climbs up mountain routes, race through lush forests and race along the shores of the Sea of Japan. With the majestic Mount Yotei and Niseko mountain ranges as its backdrop, the race continues a tradition that celebrates the natural beauty of the region and is part of local revitalization through active tourism.

In addition, this year's Niseko Classic will feature a team relay, an individual time trial, and a fun ride that anyone can easily join, for the first time in Japan. With an expected increase in participants, this event will be a big step towards the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.

As the Niseko Classic grows, Niseko will further establish itself as Asia's leading cycling mecca.

<Tournament Schedule>
■ June 13th (Friday)
Location: Niseko Grand Hirafu venue
Reception: 10:00-17:00
Riders Meeting Broadcast: 16:00-16:30
■ June 14th (Saturday)
Location: Niseko Grand Hirafu venue
Reception: 11:00-17:00
■ Sunday, June 15th
・Gran Fondo 140km: Niseko Grand Hirafu venue
Transponder operation check (race registration) 5:00-5:45
After registering, the runners must line up by 6:00
Competition start time: 6:00 (rain or shine) - competition end time: 12:15 (scheduled)
Award ceremony: 11:00 (scheduled)
・Medio Fondo 80km: Niseko Grand Hirafu venue
Transponder operation check (race registration) 5:00-6:15
After registering, the runners must line up by 6:30
Competition start time: 6:30 (rain or shine) - competition end time: 12:15 (scheduled)
Award ceremony: 11:00 (scheduled)
*The start time of the race may vary depending on how the 140km race unfolds.

<Competition Details>
■Gran Fondo 140km: From the start, there are repeated ups and downs, and after crossing the Niseko Panorama Line, the highest KOM in Hokkaido, there is a sudden descent to the Sea of Japan. This is a full-fledged mountain course with an elevation gain of over 2,370m.
■Medio Fondo 80km: The race crosses the Niseko Panorama Line in the early stages, with an elevation gain of 1,572m. Both the start and finish points will be at the Niseko Grand Hirafu venue, the same as the Gran Fondo 140km.

<Eligibility to participate>
1) Men and women aged 16 or over, or high school students and above, who are registered with a UCI member country federation.
② Male and female athletes aged 16 or over, high school students and unregistered athletes (temporary registration)
*Ages are categorized according to the age reached during each calendar year. (*Minors require parental consent.)
*UGFWS participation distances are specified for each age group.
*Participants in races other than those specified by the UGFWS and those under 18 years of age or both are not covered by the UGFWS (hereinafter referred to as HCF races).
*HCF registrants are assigned participation distances by class.
*People who fall under any of the following categories are ineligible to participate in the race according to UCI regulations.
A. Riders who belong to a UCI registered team in the current year
B. Athletes who have competed in a World Championships, Olympic Games, Continental Championships or Games, Commonwealth Games or World Cup in the relevant year.
C. Riders who hold UCI points in any discipline at the time of the qualifying event.