NewsInformation

~From course strategy lessons for elementary school students to 90-minute endurance races, a wide range of ages from within and outside the prefecture participated~

JPF Co., Ltd. (main office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Shuntaro Watanabe; hereinafter referred to as "JPF") was commissioned by Toyama City to operate the "MTB Challenge 2026 Toyama Stage" hosted by Toyama City at NiX Sports Academy Cycle Park (Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture) on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

This event was held as part of Toyama City's initiative to promote and popularize urban sports, with the aim of providing an opportunity for people of all ages, from children to adults, to experience mountain biking (MTB) and enjoy the fun of riding according to their own experience and skill level.

On the day of the event, 34 people ranging in age from 6 to 57 participated, and approximately 70 people attended the event in total. The event included course strategy lessons for elementary school students, kids' races divided by grade level, and 60-minute and 90-minute endurance races. Participants ranging from those experiencing mountain biking for the first time to experienced competitors challenged the race course with their own individual goals in mind.

[Learn driving techniques on an actual race track and try your hand at a kids' race]

The competition began with registration and a test run, followed by a "course strategy lesson" for elementary school students. Sohei Yamaguchi of SLmedia, who is partly responsible for the operation of this event, was in charge of instruction, with Jun Matsuo, a JPF employee and former professional rider, providing support.

The lessons used an actual race course to teach safe riding techniques and tips for riding on uneven terrain. Before the actual race, the children were able to familiarize themselves with the course's characteristics by riding on it. By combining lessons and races, the program allowed the children to put what they learned into practice during subsequent riding.

After the lesson, the kids participated in grade-level races. The children aimed for the finish line at their own pace, keeping in mind the course features and key points they had reviewed beforehand.

[Participants from within and outside the prefecture compete in races according to their experience level.]

Following the kids' race, we held 60-minute and 90-minute endurance races open to participants of all ages, from children to adults. Participants chose events according to their fitness level and experience, and completed laps on a hilly course.

In addition to participants from Toyama Prefecture, there were also participants from Ishikawa, Nara, Aichi, and Hyogo Prefectures, bringing together MTB enthusiasts and families from across prefectural borders. Participants commented, "It was fun riding on the bumpy roads," and "I was happy to be able to complete the ride. I want to participate again!"

After each race, an awards ceremony was held where participants congratulated each other on their efforts.

[From "experience" to "competition," creating opportunities for continued participation]

Many of the participants in this event were regular users of "Cycle Park Toyama," which is located next to the Toyama Keirin-jyo. This event provided an opportunity for users who had become familiar with cycling at the facility to gradually progress from everyday "experiences" to "competitions," such as trying their hand at an actual race.

This approach aligns with the concept of an "athlete pathway," which gradually connects people from simply experiencing cycling to continuous participation and then to competition. By linking opportunities to familiarize oneself with cycling on a daily basis with opportunities to challenge oneself in actual races, we aim to expand the base of cycling competitions, including mountain biking.

[Creating a venue that can be enjoyed before and after the race, in collaboration with the local community]

In addition to the competitions, we held a raffle with prizes provided by sponsoring companies. Also, with the cooperation of Kiritani Rokugo Kikaku, which is based in Yao Town, the host town, Bamboo save the earth set up a booth and sold yakisoba and tonjiru (pork miso soup) made with local ingredients.

JPFは、イベントの企画・広報・参加者対応・当日運営に加え、桐谷六合企画や出展者との調整も担当。競技プログラムと会場企画を組み合わせ、参加者や来場者がレースの前後も楽しめる会場づくりに取り組みました。 

【開催概要】
名称：MTB Challenge 2026 富山ステージ
開催日時：2026年7月5日（日）8:00～13:00
会場：NiXスポーツアカデミーサイクルパーク（富山市久婦須川ダム周辺広場マウンテンバイクコース／〒939-2333 富山県富山市八尾町桐谷16番地2）
主催：富山市
運営：株式会社JPF
対象・参加者数：小学生から大人まで／実参加者34名、延べ参加者数41名（会場全体の来場者数：約70名）
主な内容：小学生向けコース攻略レッスン、キッズレース、60分・90分耐久レース、表彰式、ガラポン抽選会
助成：公益財団法人スポーツ安全協会「スポーツ活動等普及奨励助成事業」

【本件に関するお問い合わせ先】
株式会社JPF
スポーツ・地域振興部（担当：明珍、田中）
電話番号：03-6697-7166
お問い合わせフォーム：https://www.jpf.co.jp/contact/press/