A HORIBA Employee Takes on the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships: Rider Interview

Daisuke Nakatsukasa of HORIBA, Ltd. competed in the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, one of the world’s top-level amateur road cycling events, held in Lorne, Victoria, Australia, from October 16 to 19, 2025.

Competing in both the Individual Time Trial and the Road Race, he placed 10th in the Men 19–34 Time Trial (out of 30 riders) and 27th in the Road Race (out of 181 riders). We spoke with Mr. Nakatsukasa, who made his second appearance at the World Championships, about what he learned on the world stage and where he aims to go next.

【2025 Season Highlights】

29th West Japan Challenge Cycle Road Race: 23rd

38th Kyoto Miyama Cycle Road Race 2025: 15th overall, 2nd in age category, two KOM

UCI Gran Fondo World Series Niseko Classic 2025: 3rd (Time Trial), 8th (Road Race)

Tour de Fukushima 2025: 3rd overall, 3rd in age category

40th Shimano Suzuka Road: GC winner, 2 stage wins

UCI Gran Fondo World Championships: 10th (Individual Time Trial), 27th (Road Race)

37th Tour de Okinawa 2025: 9th

― This was your first time racing the Individual Time Trial at the World Championships. Looking back, how do you feel about it?

The Time Trial was held on a 22.7 km course with 390 m of climbing. With former professionals and top amateur riders competing from around the world, it was a highly competitive field. Conditions were tough, with crosswinds of around 10 m/s and intermittent rain.I had hoped for more, but I still delivered my best performance while feeling the difference in physique compared to international riders.

― You finished 27th in the Road Race — up from 77th place at the 2023 World Championships. How do you look back on the race?

The Road Race covered 131 km with 1,920 m of climbing. As in the Time Trial, it was a world-class field, with top riders from around the world.

In 2023, I lost position at the first key selection point. This time, I worked with other Japanese riders on the climbs and succeeded in shaping the race into a situation where the group narrowed down to a small pack of around six riders.

Because we understand each other’s strengths, I was racing not only for my own result but also for Japan’s overall performance. Improving dramatically from 77th to 27th was a major step forward in itself. And racing against so many of the world’s top riders, Japanese riders were able to play an active role in the race dynamics through smart positioning and teamwork. That gave us real confidence as we look ahead to the 2026 World Championships, which will　be held in Japan.

― What did you focus on, or work especially hard on, in the preparation for this World Championships?

After experiencing an injury and surgery two years ago, my mindset shifted toward rebuilding my base from the ground up. Starting in the summer, I began commuting by bike, and on my way home I would go straight into training. Making the most of my commute has added about an extra hour of training to my daily routine.

At work, I transferred to a new department and took on unfamiliar responsibilities, which made it challenging to balance training with my job. But with the support of my colleagues and the encouragement of my training partners, I was able to keep my training consistent.

― You competed in many races in 2025 and achieved a series of strong results. What kind of year was it for you?

2025 was a comeback season following injuries and illness, so I started with a lot of uncertainty. However, the support of everyone around me gave me strength, and I was able to turn my day-to-day training into steady results throughout the year.

Across a variety of races, I delivered some of my best performances, making 2025 a truly rewarding year.

― Finally, could you please share your goals for 2026?

My main goal is to finish in the top ranks at the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships being held in Japan in 2026. It’s an ambitious target, but racing on familiar roads is a rare opportunity, so I’m determined to train hard and make the most of it. At the Tour de Okinawa, where I finished 9th last year, I want to turn that frustration into a win.

I also plan to step up from amateur racing to professional-level events in 2026. When I first had the chance to experience that higher level, I learned a lot through some tough moments. This time, I want to approach each race with focus and produce results.

Going forward, I’ll continue giving my all in competition while also strengthening my language skills, expertise, and internal network at work. When opportunities arise to collaborate with our overseas sites, including through international race travel, I want to be someone who can create value both as an athlete and as a business professional.

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2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships | UCI