Kazuhei Kimura is a representative of Japan in the official event of the MB class of Para-cycling (a Paralympic cycling sport), known as tandem cycling.In the 2022 All-Japan Championship, a new Japanese record was set in the event "1kmTT (Time Trial)", and the goal is to win a medal in the 2024 Paris Paralympics, which is exactly in the middle of an all-out sprint.Let's explore the unusual world of bicycle racing, where pairs compete in a high-speed, two-person four-legged race.

In the front seat is a sighted athlete (pilot), and in the rear seat is a visually impaired athlete (stoker). Kimura, who takes the rear seat in the tandem cycling competition, is currently focusing on the 1km TT short-distance track event.In this event, which takes place on a 250-meter track with a slope, pairs straddling single-gear machines accelerate fully from the start to reach the goal before anyone else.The thrilling race lasts approximately one minute, competing on the scale of one-thousandth of a second, with top speeds nearing around 70 kilometers per hour.In this fleeting moment, Kimura concentrates all he can exhibit, while cherishing the thoughts he values daily in his heart.

“The essence of tandem cycling is the harmony between the two riders.Bicycle racing primarily consists of individual events, which gives it a unique appeal.”I have 100% faith in the pilot, and I am solely focused on doing my utmost to meet the required output.”

Depending on the incline of the track, how much should one lean their body weight inward, how much should they pull the handle, and what should be the pedaling speed.To begin with, how do the pilot and the stoker each want to ride?We communicate in detail many times before the actual performance, ride a bicycle, and gradually increase the synchronization rate while eliminating slight discrepancies and discomfort.Teach your body to remember the sensation when the gears of perception mesh together.

“In Europe, which is the home of competitive cycling, the role of pilot is filled by athletes who have been active in the Olympics, or even those who have become world champions.”However, my ideal is a “strong Japanese pair with a high synchronization rate”.”It’s frustrating to be judged as winning because of the pilot’s ability.”

Even considering machine performance, there are rumors of countries that spend tens of millions of yen per unit for fully custom-made production, and the difference between these countries and Japan, which has few developing companies, is not insignificant.Even so, Kimura continues to move forward, never looking back.

“I first encountered tandem cycling when I was studying massage, acupressure, and acupuncture at the Hokkaido Sapporo Special Needs School for the Visually Impaired.”For a year after that, I continued my motorcycle training alone, and from 2017, I was invited to join the Japanese national team’s training camp.I considered continuing the competition in my hometown, but decided to take on the challenge and moved to Tokyo, which brings me to where I am now.I’ve always loved sports, and even now, when I can continue training while working, it might be an extension of my hobby.”However, I believe that meeting and connecting with many people is possible precisely because I’m involved in tandem cycling. Without a doubt, it has become one of the joys of life.”

Everyone has days when things don’t go as planned.In the case of Kimura, who balances both “work” and being a “representative player” in his daily life, if he can’t switch effectively, a decrease in motivation is inevitable.”It’s not about what you do to increase motivation, but what you do to prevent it from decreasing.”Kimura maintains a strong mentality by cultivating a habit of “positive thinking”.

“I make it a point to set many small goals throughout the day, and always look for the positive aspects.”The goal is something trivial like “what time to wake up” (laughs).When I really don’t know what to do, I sometimes remind myself why I am in Tokyo.I learned how to maintain motivation through my work.While sports typically prioritize individual performance, tandem cycling is a competition that values how a team moves together.”I believe that personal growth through work can also be beneficial in competitions.”

Even if the stage changes, what I need to do doesn’t change.The passion of athlete Kimura delivers the pure emotion that sports generate to many people.

INTERVIEW & TEXT: Keisuke Honda