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"To become a person who can contribute as Keirin rider and to the entire cycling world."

Ryoku Inoue, a member of the first JPF Scholarship program, has entered the Japan Keirin rider School.
Inoue has been active in Track Cycling since high school and has continued to balance competition and academics even after entering university. In this interview, she talks about what inspired her to become Keirin rider, the changes that the JPF scholarship has brought about in her, and her enthusiasm for the new challenges at the training school.

"The more effort you put in, the better the results" - The reason I aspired to become Keirin rider

First of all, congratulations on being accepted into the Japan Keirin rider School.

Inoue-san:
thank you.

—Could you tell us what inspired you to become Keirin rider?

Inoue-san:
From the time I started cycling, I knew that becoming a professional Keirin rider was one of the career options for the future. However, at that time, I had just started competing, so I didn't have the strong feeling that "I absolutely want to become one."

As I continued competing, I found great satisfaction in seeing my records improve in proportion to the effort I put in. Also, Keirin is a profession where you can be evaluated by the customers. Attracted by these aspects, by the time I graduated from high school, my goal of becoming Keirin rider had become clear.

Scholarships broadened my perspective

—Have you experienced any changes since becoming a member of the first cohort of JPF scholarship recipients?

Inoue-san:
Before receiving the scholarship, I was solely focused on improving my own athletic performance. I was aware that cycling was a minor sport, but I hadn't really considered it from the perspective of promoting the sport.

However, through my activities as a scholarship recipient, I had more opportunities to interact with athletes from other disciplines such as BMX and mountain biking. Through these experiences, I was able to broaden my perspective to view not only Keirin and Track Cycling cycling, but cycling as a whole.

Furthermore, cycling is a sport that places a heavy financial burden on athletes due to equipment costs and travel expenses. Thanks to the support from the scholarship, I was able to invest in physical care and efforts to improve my performance, creating an environment where I could concentrate more on the sport.

"I want to grow both as a person and as an athlete."

--Finally, please tell us about your aspirations for your time at the training school.

Inoue-san:
At the induction ceremony, I met my fellow trainees who had gathered from all over the country. There are so many strong-looking athletes, which makes me a little nervous, and I'm also worried about whether I'll be able to achieve a good time in the upcoming competition.

On the other hand, there are expectations that he will be able to grow significantly in the next 10 months, given that he has the environment and facilities to concentrate on Keirin.

First, I want to successfully graduate from the training school and then work hard to make my debut as a more mature person and athlete.

■Ryo Inoue Profile

As a member of the first JPF Scholarship program, Ms. Inoue has continued to grow while balancing her studies and athletic pursuits.
Having taken a significant step towards his dream of Keirin rider expectations are high for his future success.

JPF will continue to support young athletes like Ms. Inoue who will lead the future of competitive cycling.