Shiki
Kuroeda 黒枝 士揮

2019.11.07

Self-awareness as an ace and great tenacity to win victory

At Japan’s most prestigious cycling road race series, J PROTOUR, Kuroeda won the 11th stage Hiroshima Criterium, and finished second in the 6th stage Utsunomiya Criterium as well as the 10th stage Higashi-hiroshima Cycle Road Race. He is placed 6th in the 2019 October individual rankings.

Capturing victory with explosive speed

There are three types of road bicycle racers: sprinters who can sprint by accelerating to a high speed on flat ground, climbers who can ride well on inclined roads in the mountains, and all-rounders who can do well in both fields. Kuroeda is a sprinter.

“I like competition. The sprint right before the finish line gives me a thrill. Toward the finish line, I concentrate intently on pedaling forward. The risk of serious injury by contact with someone else is also thrilling. It excites my emotions. When I manage to get ahead of the pack, I feel great pleasure.”

Kuroeda is an ace sprinter on Team Bridgestone Cycling. A group of cyclists assisting the ace are called “assists,” who provide shelter from the wind to help the ace conserve energy. They carry food and water from their team car, and if the ace gets a flat tire or encounters an unexpected situation, an assist even gives his own wheel to the ace. For all such support, the ace shoulders a heavy responsibility. “All the team members are working for me to help me win. If I can’t meet their expectations, I shouldn’t be an ace.”

Meeting expectations by winning a race

Kuroeda entered Hiji Youkoku High School, a powerhouse of bicycle racing. As a second-year student, he won the men’s individual road races at the National High School Invitational Tournament and the All Japan High School Athletic Meet. He also won the men’s individual road race at the National Sports Festival held in his hometown, Oita. In his third year of high school, Kuroeda won the men’s individual road race at the National Sports Festival. He participated in world championships but keenly felt the challenge of the international barrier. To seek to achieve a further leap forward, he went on to the National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya.

At university, he was recognized for his achievements at domestic competitions and began to participate in Asian championships and other international events. Having won a professional contract after graduation, he has participated in not only Asian bicycle tours, but also tournaments across Europe, the road bicycle racing mecca. He now competes primarily in domestic races, standing in the front lines as Japan’s top ranker. For Kuroeda, winning is more important than anything else. “As a professional cyclist, I must show results and meet the expectations of supporters.”

His goal is simple: keep winning. He keeps pedaling with all his might to remain active for a long time in the front line of bicycle racing, about which he is incredibly passionate. On the way are such objectives as participation in the Olympic Games and the All-Japan Championship title. Destined for victory, the speed star keeps fighting on.

Shiki Kuroeda’s philosophy

Keep winning to keep riding