The inaugural HYSK Gravel Classic Yakurai, the first ever Gravelking UCI Gravel World Series event to be held in Japan, delivered a memorable weekend of racing as Japan’s Toki Sawada and Taiwan’s Shu Wei Hsu won on a demanding course featuring 106 km and 2,616 metres of elevation gain.
Set against the mountainous backdrop of the Miyagi Prefecture, riders faced one of the most challenging courses on the UCI Gravel World Series calendar, combining steep climbs, technical gravel sectors and tough elevation throughout the day.
In the men’s elite race, local favourite Toki Sawada produced a strong performance to take the historic first victory. The Japanese rider crossed the finish line with a margin of 3 minutes and 29 seconds over compatriot Koki Shirakawa, while Hijiri Oda completed an all-Japanese podium at 4 minutes and 42 seconds.
The battle for the top positions highlighted the strength of Japanese gravel racing, with the home riders dominating the event from start to finish. The first international rider across the line was Dutchman Lars Boven, who finished fourth at 16 minutes and 43 seconds.
The women’s elite race saw a convincing victory for Shu Wei Hsu of Taiwan, who mastered the demanding terrain to secure the first Gravelking UCI Gravel World Series title awarded on Japanese soil. Hsu completed the two-lap course in 5:36:57, finishing comfortably ahead of the Japanese challengers.
Japan’s Sachi Kataoka claimed second place at 28 minutes and 53 seconds, while Chiharu Ukai completed the podium in third at 37 minutes and 46 seconds.
Elite Men
- Toki Sawada (JPN)
- Koki Shirakawa (JPN) +3:29
- Hijiri Oda (JPN) +4:42
Elite Women
- Shu Wei Hsu (TPE) – 5:36:57
- Sachi Kataoka (JPN) +28:53
- Chiharu Ukai (JPN) +37:46
