Nagano, Japan Yuki Ikeda, home in Japan until August 2, is preparing for the Marathon World Championships in Italy and the 2011 Leadville Trail 100. Taking advantage of a solid training block, Ikeda doubled up on the racing this past weekend in Nagano, Japan with a hill climb race and short format XC.

Fujimi Dirt Criterium
Qualifier: 8min. + 2laps
Final: 20min. + 2laps

Yuki following his race: “I got 2nd in the qualifier and 3rd in the final. It was a good opener for the hill climb tomorrow.”

Fujimi Dirt Criterium results
1st Shun Matsumoto (Trek)
2nd Keisuke Goda (Specialized)
3rd Yuki Ikeda (Topeak/Ergon)

Hill Climb in Ontake
Distance: 24km
Elevation Gain: About 1500m

Yuki following his 2nd race of the weekend: “It was the second round of the King of Otaki endurance series. I felt little tired at the begging from the race yesterday, but my legs started feeling better as the race progress. Matsumoto (Trek) attacked about 10km to go. I chased him and stayed in 2nd till about 100m to go. Oishi was drafting me and attacked at the end. I could not respond and ended up 3rd. I will peak for the series final, which is the 120km MTB marathon race to win!”

1st Shun Matsumoto (Trek) 1:08:59
2nd Oishi 1:09:23
3rd Yuki Ikeda (Topeak/Ergon) 1:09:30

Source: Jeff Kerkove, Ergon USA, Inc.
www.ergon-bike.com
www.topeak-ergon-racing.com