Ground-breaking mixed terrain event to take place 12 October in Nagano and Niigita Prefectures.
Grinduro, the seminal gravel experience where having a good time at the party is just as important as going fast in the race, has announced the location of its inaugural Japan event, with tickets going on sale 12:00 noon (Japan Standard Time) 27, July 2019.
From its very beginning, Grinduro has been an event as popular as it is in demand, with Grinduro California even selling out under two hours this year. For 2019, the Grinduro series expands beyond California and Scotland, with Canada and now Japan being added to the innovative event that is as much about the experience as it is about the result.
Founding sponsor Giro returns along with Fabric, while Maxxis and Rapha have joined as Global Sponsors. New for 2019, each event in the series will have a bike Host Brand, including Cannondale, Devinci and Canyon, while legendary brand Salsa will host Grinduro Japan. Regional sponsorship in Japan includes routing by komoot and bike care by Weldtite.
Grinduro will launch in Japan at the Shin’etsu Madarao area. Spanning northern Nagano and Niigita Prefecture and world-renowned for snow sports in the winter, the Shin’etsu area is surrounded by two national parks, and includes the majestic Chikuma River as well as numerous lakes.
It is an area where the unique feel of Japan pervades forest single track and rural gravel roads. Beyond the warmth of its residents, the area also includes hot springs, traditional industries that have been preserved like rice farming, crafts, sake breweries and more. Visitors feel the culture of its local people while respecting the blessings of nature.
Grinduro Japan will feature Grinduro’s magic formula – a combination of gravel road race and mountain bike-style enduro: one long loop of pavement, gravel, and dirt, where finishing times are based on four timed segments (each roughly 7 – 12 minutes).
As a testament to both the diverse riding skills required and the level of competition, past editions have been won by former professional downhill racers, pro road racers and current cyclocross pros.
But Grinduro is not just a bike race. It’s a celebration of cycling with as much emphasis on the fun as on the ride, with excellent food, an impressive display of art and incredible handmade bikes, live music, camping, and a festival atmosphere.
Tickets are available beginning 12 noon (Japan Standard Time) on the 27th July at grinduro.com. Those in the Tokyo area may attend a pre-sale event 26 July, where they can pre-register for the benefits at 105-0014 Minato-ku, Tokyo 2-23 Shiba 2-chome Newkanal Iwata Building 1F.
All four locations feature Grinduro’s magic formula, a combination of gravel road race and mountain bike-style enduro: one long loop of pavement, gravel, and dirt, where finishing times are based on four timed segments (each roughly 7 – 12 minutes).
As a testament to both the diverse riding skills required and the level of competition, past editions have been won by former professional downhill racers, pro road racers and current cyclocross pros. But Grinduro is not just a bike race.
It’s a celebration of cycling with as much emphasis on the fun as on the ride, with excellent food, an impressive display of art and incredible handmade bikes, live music, camping, and a festival atmosphere.