Connecting cycling enthusiasts: the “Ring-Tomo!” series continues in 2025! Thank you for your continued support. This time, sports journalist Kazuyuki Yamaguchi introduces former professional cyclist Yoshimitsu Hiratsuka. After retiring from competitive cycling, Hiratsuka met Yamaguchi during a press tour while working at a hotel dedicated to riders.
His road bike journey began in elementary school. With a professional photographer father who loved cycling, it was only natural for him to grow up surrounded by bikes. At the age of eight, he participated in a local race in Izu with his first mountain bike and soon became a dedicated racer, competing in races every weekend. We had the pleasure of hearing about his current activities and personal stories related to cycling.
Profile
1. What’s your beloved bicycle?
2. What’s your favorite cycling route?
3. The most recent ride event you participated in and your thoughts about it?
4. The ride event you’d like to participate in next and why?
5. The most memorable moment in your cycling life?
6. Your favorite cycling gear and why
7. What does cycling mean to you?
Introduction of the next guest.
Name Yoshimitsu Hiratsuka
Job Cycle Coordinator
Hobbies Cycling and Massage
Cycling Experiences 24years
SNS Instagram @Yoshimitsu_Hiratsuka
A Chromoly Road Bike with a Mama-Chari Style
It was passed down from my father. I’ve been riding it for about 22 years, swapping out parts and maintaining it along the way.
This is around the Kano River on the Izu Peninsula, my hometown. It’s a familiar route I’ve known since childhood and a place where I can feel grounded. When I hit a mental block from desk work, I go for a light ride at around 25 km/h to clear my head.
“Gravel Classic YAKURAI 2023”
I participated partly because I had just bought a gravel bike.
There’s no specific event in mind, but I’d like to try another gravel race. I enjoy the balance of fun, moderate challenge, and a decent pace the most.
The sights from the UCI Race when I was 21 or 22 years old. We arrived at a hotel in France late at night, and when I woke up in the morning, it felt like stepping into the world of Heidi (though the story is set in Switzerland). Between the mountains with a bit of lingering snow, sparkling highlands and rivers stretched out before me. Having lived in cloudy Holland for a while, I was craving the sun. Riding through that refreshing scenery under a clear sky after so long is an unforgettable memory.
The CATEYE 800V light — it’s like a mental stabilizer when I ride. Back in my racing days, I used the lighter 400V, which was still a lifeline for night training. Nowadays, I even ride through tunnels, so I sometimes keep it on during the day as a safety measure.
It’s both part of my work and a way to refresh myself. Cycling satisfies my sense of ownership and the self-satisfaction of keeping the bike in good condition. It’s a means of transportation and… it’s everything to me.
Without saying much, Hiratsuka-san’s deep affection for cycling was evident. He has now established an organization called “#13cRR” in his hometown of Higashi-Izu to promote cycling culture, and continues to work in the cycling industry. The “Ring-Tomo” introduced by Yamaguchi-san is…
Mizuki Imaizumi / Travel Cyclist, Adventure Tourist
Introduction from Yoshimitsu Hiratsuka:
Imaizumi-san, who became an active sports enthusiast after participating in the Hakone Ekiden, was once an ordinary girl. Her challenge and finish in the Ultraman Triathlon in 2024 (which she will likely explain in detail herself) was truly inspiring!
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Please look forward to the next time as well!
🚴♂️Here are all the Ring-Tomo members🚴♂️
#01 Daisaku Kawase (Freelance producer)
#02 Daisuke Imanaka (The first Japanese participant in the Tour de France)
#03 Shinji Iwanami (HOSHINOYA Fuji Cycling guide / Masseur)
#04 Kenichi Kawamura (Founder of CYCLING JAPAN / Cycling guide)
#05 Akikazu Yamashita (Model and travel writer)
#06 Miho Ishigaki (Model)
#07 Kazuyuki Yamaguchi (Sports journalist)
#08 Yoshimitsu Hiratsuka (Cycle Coordinator)
Post Date：2025.02.26
