NISEKO is well on the way to becoming an international summer cycling destination with a swag of high profile international sponsors joining the second Niseko Cycle Week, kicking off August 30.
Local cycling enthusiasts decided to create Niseko Cycle Week last year as a way to promote the area’s amazing potential as a mountain biking and road cycling destination.
This year the events schedule has been fine-tuned and will see the introduction of more non-cycling events including live music and other social events on the final day, a movie night and a range of kids activities and competitions.
Presenting sponsor is Capella Hotels and Resorts whose six-star luxury hotel and resort in Niseko is due for completion in summer 2011.
Major sponsors are Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Hong Kong-based cosmetics company Blu Spa, restaurant group Castelo Group, and House of Tan Creative Services.
Niseko as a cycling destination
When the snow melts in Niseko, it exposes a landscape perfectly suited to both mountain biking and road cycling in the summer months.
Mt Annupuri provides an extraordinary range of terrain for skiers and snowboarders in Niseko in winter, but fast forward to summer and you can understand why it’s so good for mountain biking.
Cross-country trails cover the length and breadth of the mountain and there are currently two official downhill courses.
For those who aren’t into getting dirty on the mountain, the roads around Niseko are immaculately maintained with super smooth asphalt, and extra wide lanes.
Traffic volumes are light and the gently undulating countryside suits both beginners and more advanced riders.
Green theme
Borrowing from the dominant colour of Niseko’s summer, this year’s Niseko Cycle Week will also have a green theme.
Among the broader aims of the event, organisers hope to help improve the cycle infrastructure and services in Niseko, promote clean, active lifestyle and health awareness, and contribute to the notion of environmental sustainability through the use of bicycles rather than automobiles.
Wednesday, September 2 will be Bike To Work day, where local residents, businesses and government workers will be encouraged to ride to work instead of driving.
Event Schedule
This year’s event schedule kicks off on the morning of Sunday August 30 with a group road ride and a cross-country mountain bike race at Niseko Village, followed by opening ceremony and barbecue.
A range of day and night time social events, casual road rides and tours, downhill and cross country mountain bike rides, and road cycling races will take place throughout the week.
Niseko Cycle Week culminates with a downhill mountain bike race at Niseko’s central Grand Hirafu resort on Sunday, September 6, followed by a closing ceremony and presentation barbecue.
There will be something for the whole family, all set upon the spectacular green summer backdrop of Niseko!
For more information, full event schedule and details go to www.nisekocycleweek.com.