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“Enjoy the spectacular
view of Tokyo and
the extraordinary
experience!”

— Mr. So Takei
Japanese celebrity and former teack
and field athlete, Ambassador GRAND
CYCLE TOKYO

“THE ROAD RACE TOKYO”, “STADIUM FESTA”, “RAINBOW BRIDGE RIDE”, and “MULTISPORTS” are all part of the “GRAND CYCLE TOKYO” project. The aim is to create momentum in bringing together sports and a festive atmosphere around cycling. As the co-organiser of this initiative, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government supports the “GRAND CYCLE TOKYO” organizing committee, including in the areas of finance and communication.

The Tokyo 2020 Games greatly boosted sports in the city. As part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s efforts to build on the legacy of the Games, the ‘GRAND CYCLE TOKYO’ was launched in 2022.

Cycling is an eco-friendly means of transportation that contributes to the promotion of health and smooth mobility. To make cycling and eco-friendly and healthy bicycles even more accessible, TMG is comprehensively promoting various bicycle-related events on an annual basis. “RAINBOW BRIDGE RIDE” and “MULTISPORTS” were held at the end of November 2023, while “THE ROAD RACE TOKYO” and “STADIUMFESTA” were taken place at the beginning of December 2023. The next edition of “RAINBOW BRIDGE RIDE” and “MULTISPORTS” will be held in December 2024, while “The ROAD RACE TOKYO” and the related event will take place in July 2025.

in 2023, two festivals around two cycling events

In 2023, two major cycling events combined with a festival were held in the framework of “GRAND CYCLE TOKYO”. There was a genuine willingness to associate a festive portion, open to all citizens, with free access to the races. “STADIUM FESTA” is a festivity event held in line with “THE ROAD RACE TOKYO” in the Tama area, west of central Tokyo, where a challenge race in Ajinomoto Stadium was also held. “MULTISPORTS” is a multisport programme held in line with “RAINBOW BRIDGE RIDE” in the Tokyo Bay zone area.

“THE ROAD RACE TOKYO” and “STADIUM FESTA”

“THE ROAD RACE TOKYO” was created with three objectives
in mind:

• To effectively use the Tokyo 2020 Olympic cycling road racecourse as part of the legacy of the Games;
• To create an event which encourages Tokyo residents to «play, watch and support» sports, and to integrate sport as a part of their lives;
• To build on an initiative that increases the value of Tokyo, contributes to the promotion of local attractions and boosts the economy.

“THE ROAD RACE TOKYO” – a full-scale road race, passed through the Tokyo 2020 and Tokyo 1964 cycling road racecourses – included an elite race (men/women) and a Paracycling Tandem Time Trial (men/women). In addition, the Challenge race in Ajinomoto Stadium provided an enjoyable race experience for all levels of cyclists, and was composed of cycling schools, short racing supported by a guide, a cycle marathon of 80 minutes, and an exhibition race. More than 500 participants enjoyed this special circular course.

To provide a festive atmosphere and engage the public in the experience, various events were held at the Ajinomoto Stadium, where people could enjoy watching the arrival of cyclists. “STADIUM FESTA” programme included the promotion of cycling sports, a showcasing of cycling-related information, several events on the dedicated stage, a tasting of ‘Gourmet’ food from Tama (west of central Tokyo) and islands in Tokyo, craft beer, local products and specialties, promotion of health, tourist information, and traffic safety, in a total of 37 booths set up in collaboration with local municipalities and actors from the private sector. Children could experience sport-cycling school and initiation to racing and bicycle riding workshops. Virtual cycling experiences as well as test rides of different types of bicycles, including handcycles, tandems, tricycles, etc., were also offered to the participants. “On stage” events allowed people to gather and enjoy various shows, contributing to a feeling of belonging to a community: public viewing of “THE ROAD RACE TOKYO”; medal ceremonies; a BMX performance show; talking sessions by athletes and celebrities; music concerts; a cycling outfit fashion show; bicycle helmet design contest.

To capture the attention of people with little or no interest in sports, this programme, organised on-site in collaboration with various stakeholders, attracted more than 13,000 participants to this first edition. Over 90% of respondents to the satisfaction survey were very positive about this type of event that contributed to an increase in the attractiveness of cycling.

RAINBOW BRIDGE RIDE and MULTISPORTS – fun ride events

“RAINBOW BRIDGE RIDE” was launched in 2022 and was repeated in 2023. To draw attention to cycling and popularise bicycle riding among Tokyo citizens, the Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo Gate Bridge, iconic landmarks overlooking the ocean, were exceptionally and uniquely open to the participants for “RAINBOW BRIDGE RIDE”. With a range of three different rides (32km, 19km, and 8km), cyclists could choose the distance according to their preference and enjoy an early morning ride, under a blue sky along the ocean. All participants were awarded a ‘medal’, made of Hinoki tree (Japanese cypress) cultivated in the Tama area west of central Tokyo.

Parallel to the ride, a “MULTISPORTS” programme was organised both at the Telecom Center and Aomi R. Area, allowing more people to attend. Whilst BMX and parkour performance shows and other exciting programmes were presented on stage, bicycle-riding classes for kids and activities to promote safe riding using apps were held at the finish-line. Climbing, parkour, Henshin bike, amputee soccer, and paracycling were among the sports possible to try out or to watch. A Curry festival allowed participants to extend the festival experience to food. While participation in the ride required registration and payment of a fee, most “MULTISPORTS” activities were free.

targeting a wide audience

Such various and festive programmes with free admission and no required registration (with the exception of race participation) aimed at targeting various audiences: experienced cyclists (elite race, sport-cycling, etc.), families, local residents, event fans, sports fans, overseas cycling fans, etc. To increase the number of local participants, special Ambassadors (famous Japanese actors, sportscasters, etc.) conveyed the charm of bicycles to a wide range of people and shared positive messages on social networks about cycling and the dedicated rides and festivals.

And to attract overseas participants, these cycling events are promoted to overseas media, embassy officials in Tokyo, and at overseas bicycle events.

In September 2024, the City of Tokyo has received the UCI BIKE CITY LABEL, a reward by the Union Cycliste Internationale for cities and regions pioneering cycling initiatives. THE ROAD RACE TOKYO TAMA 2025 now joins the UCI Road International Calendar.

A festival is a + for sports events

Creating a festival around a sports event generates great opportunities to engage people in sports, particularly those who have had little or no interest in sports to date. Festivals can serve as an important window to sports and people become interested in sports through a festive atmosphere. Festivals also generate momentum to connect people through sports – for a shared moment and a sense of unity in sport festivities.

Finally, festive events promote local neighbourhoods through sports. They allow people to discover the charms and specificities of local communities and to interact in an enjoyable atmosphere. With multiple events throughout the year, Tokyo has multiple chances to attract more people to cycling!