One of the most hotly contested events on the cycling scene in Niseko each year is the Strider Enjoy Cup – a race like no other where kids aged from 2 to 6 push and power their way to junior glory at the base of the Hirafu ski fields.
Strider bicycles, as you may have guessed from the pictures, are a relatively new type of bike designed to give kids an easy introduction to cycling and bypass the need for training wheels in order to learn to balance. With low, adjustable seats, feet can easily touch the ground and without pedals, feet instinctively push and check balance as kids learn the confidence and joy of rolling on two wheels.
The Strider Enjoy Cup started off as a local event but every year more and more international entrants are taking part with the aim of claiming glory for their nation – or more likely just to have a bit of fun!
The event was started by local Gakuji Higashiuchi and is partnered on the same weekend with the Niko Niko Niseko Village Festival, where everyone heads to afterwards to celebrate.
[This year’s Strider Enjoy Cup wasn’t held due to the pandemic but usually it is held in early July each year. Check NisekoTourism.com for latest event details.]
