One of Japan’s great cycling destinations, Hokkaido is the backdrop for the road race Niseko Classic. Here’s everything you need to know about this annual event that’s going from strength to strength.
Niseko may be known for powder-laden slopes, but come June, it’s all about the road. For one weekend every summer, skis are swapped for saddles as cyclists from across the globe descend on Hokkaido for the Niseko Classic.
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Now entering its 11th year, this high-altitude, high-adrenaline race is no longer just a summer secret. With the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships set to be hosted in Niseko, this year’s race is more than a competition — it’s a preview of cycling history in the making.
From Passion To Purpose
“In the past, Niseko had few summer tourism attractions apart from rafting,” shares Kazuki Maeda, General Manager of Niseko Classic. “In an effort to promote summer tourism in the region, a group of local cycling enthusiasts took the initiative.” Inspired by the spirit and success of the Tour de Okinawa, they saw potential in Niseko’s winding roads, lush farmlands, and and majestic peaks — even when the snow had melted.
What started as a grassroots race with regional appeal steadily gained traction. In 2016, the Classic became part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, placing it on the global cycling calendar. “By 2019, the Niseko Classic had grown into one of Japan’s largest amateur races, with over 1,500 participants — a record at the time,” says Maeda.
Despite the pandemic hitting pause in 2020 and 2021, community support never wavered. “The decision to cancel had to be made at the very last moment — just two weeks before the scheduled date. Despite the late timing, not a single complaint was received from the registered participants. Instead, we were deeply encouraged by the many warm messages we received.”
Read also: Summer in Hokkaido: Your Guide To Fruit Picking in Niseko
A New Horizon
This year marks a decade of the ‘Classic’ (which is what fans call it), undoubtedly making it one of Asia’s premier cycling events. “In 2025 we will celebrate 10 years as a World Series qualifier and the destination will also host the UCI Gran Fondo World Championship in 2026,” says Maeda. “This an exciting milestone that will further elevate the event, and that will promote Niseko’s incredible cycling scene across the world.”
As anticipation builds for the 2026 World Championships, the 2025 Niseko Classic offers a prime opportunity for cyclists both in Japan and abroad to challenge themselves ahead of the international spotlight..
The ride? A stunning but grueling course, with mountain climbs, farm descents, and seaside sprints. “This variety makes race tactics and equipment choices especially important, demanding that riders be ready to perform across a wide range of terrain and conditions.”
Maeda adds that 2025 will continue last year’s major improvement: full road closures. “Admittedly, this is a lot of work, but it is worth the effort as it provides an incredible professional-level experience for competitors and enhances road safety.”
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A Festival for All
Off the track, Niseko Classic has become a full-blown summer celebration. “This year will bring more spectators, more vendors, and an even greater festival atmosphere, making it the most exciting year for fans yet… until the main event in 2026,” Maeda enthuses.
Even non-racing locals look forward to the tradition. “The Classic has long been an aspirational event for locals in Niseko and across Hokkaido. It brings friends together to train, inspires new cyclists, and plants the seeds for future generations of riders. Being able to participate in — or even just spectate — a race of this calibre is an exciting and inspiring opportunity that locals genuinely cherish.”
To ensure everyone feels included, the team introduced the Niseko Classic Fun Ride, a relaxed, family-friendly way to join the experience. “This event offers a safe and enjoyable way to explore the Niseko area, helping to welcome riders of all ages and abilities into the cycling community.”
Read also: Postcard From Here: Dervla Louli Musgrave on Why She Keeps Coming Back to Niseko
New for 2025: The Team Relay
What’s new this year? This freshest addition is a high-energy, high-drama wheel-to-wheel racing format: the Team Relay. “This fresh format brings new elements of strategy, speed and excitement to race weekend,” shares Maeda.
While it’s new to Niseko, it’s already proven popular on the world stage. “The Team Relay is a first for the Niseko Classic, but this event has been a staple of the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships since 2013. This criterium-style race will see teams navigating multiple laps around a short course — guaranteeing high-energy wheel-to-wheel racing,” he adds.
Beyond competition, Maeda sees the Classic as an experience to remember. “The multi-day event offers a dynamic and unforgettable atmosphere. At the start line, you can cut the tension with a knife… In contrast, the après race vibes are all about celebration.”
So what comes next? More gears turning. “Niseko Classic 2027 will mark a new chapter as the legacy event of the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. We are committed to continuing the race in the years to come and striving to make it a long-term goal for cycling enthusiasts across Japan.”
With new initiatives like Niseko Discovery Cycling in development, the Classic’s ride isn’t slowing down anytime soon. “Through these efforts, we hope to share the appeal of the Niseko and Shiribeshi areas with the world. It would be wonderful if more people started saying, ‘Let’s go cycling in Niseko this summer.’”
Still dreaming of Hokkaido? Don’t miss our guide to the Furano Flower Fields worth visiting this May and June!