From October 9th to 12th, the "Ganbarou Kumamoto Mynavi Tour de Kyushu 2026" was held across various locations in Kyushu. This event, which began in 2023, marked its fourth edition this year. This time, races took place in six prefectures of Kyushu: Nagasaki, Saga, Fukuoka, Oita, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki. Eighteen teams from Japan and abroad participated, with over 100 riders showcasing world-class performances.
JTB, the company that operates FUN! JAPAN, supported the event as a bronze sponsor. This time, we attended the exhibition "Sasebo Criterium" held in Nagasaki Prefecture, as well as STAGE 1, the "Saga & Fukuoka Stage." We experienced the unique excitement of a road race, from the speed of the riders to the enthusiastic cheers of the spectators. Along with the vibrant atmosphere of the cities in Kyushu, we bring you a two-day spectator report!
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What is "Ganbarou Kumamoto Mynavi Tour de Kyushu 2026"?
Right before your eyes, the riders speed past at an astonishing pace. The overlapping wheels of the bicycles look like a single ribbon, and in the blink of an eye, they disappear from view. Cheers from the spectators echo along the roadside, and the usually quiet town is enveloped in the excitement of the race. This is the thrill you can experience at the international cycling road race, "Mynavi Tour de Kyushu."
A cycling road race is a competition where riders race over distances exceeding 100km on public roads, and the first to cross the finish line is the winner. In other words, it's like a "marathon on bicycles." Officially recognized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), this event is held to promote cycle tourism in Kyushu and to symbolize recovery from natural disasters.
This year, a total of 18 teams participated, including nine international teams and nine domestic teams, such as "UAE Team Emirates XRG," which ranked first in the UCI World Team Rankings as of May 12, 2026. World-class riders battled it out on courses throughout Kyushu.
The courses also feature varied coastlines, beautiful terraced rice fields, and majestic mountain scenery created by active volcanoes—sights you won't want to miss. While enjoying the intense competition, you can also experience the natural landscapes and local character of each region. That is the true appeal of the "Tour de Kyushu."
October 9 Sasebo Criterium: Experience the Speed and Excitement of a Road Cycling Race in the Port Town of Sasebo
At 10:30 a.m., I arrived at Sasebo Station. Exiting from the Minato Exit, I found the area bustling with many spectators despite it being a weekday. There were even people who had driven all the way from Kansai, planning to attend all four races. The enthusiasm of those eagerly awaiting the event was palpable. Inside the venue, there was also a JTB booth. When I stopped by, the staff greeted me with warm smiles.
The Sasebo Criterium is a circuit race consisting of 30 laps around a roughly 1.5 km course. Since the riders pass by repeatedly, you can experience the speed and excitement over and over again. Watching the riders head out for their warm-up laps, I could feel both their tension and excitement, and I found myself smiling naturally.
At 1:00 p.m., the riders started all at once! The speed as they raced past right in front of me was overwhelming. With each lap, the peloton stretched out, and every time the lead group approached, the sound of cowbells and cheers echoed through the air.
The day's winner was Luke Burns of Victoire Hiroshima. The crowd erupted in cheers as he claimed victory over UAE Team Emirates XRG. It was a day when I could truly feel the excitement of Sasebo, a city that comes together to enjoy the race.
October 10 Saga & Fukuoka Stage: Fukuoka Tenjin Goes Wild! Enjoy Watching Road Racing in the Heart of the City
On the second day, the race started at 10:00 a.m. from Cape Hado in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. This was the first time that Saga Prefecture had been included in the route of the "Mynavi Tour de Kyushu."
I visited the finish area in Tenjin, Fukuoka. Even though it was about three hours before the expected finish time, Meiji-dori was already filled with a festive atmosphere and excitement. This was also the first time the finish line was set in the heart of a bustling downtown area.
One of the highlights at the Fukuoka venue was the special parade held before the riders arrived. The parade began with the iconic “Hana Jidosha” (decorated flower cars) from Fukuoka’s traditional festival, Hakata Dontaku, followed by spectacular performances such as juggling, street basketball, and dance. The vibrant, festival-like atmosphere unique to Japan had the crowd buzzing with excitement!
Soon after, race footage appeared on the large screen, and the audience was captivated by the riders’ performance. When the cyclists appeared on Showa-dori, just north of Meiji-dori, the crowd reacted with excitement. The winner was Matteo Marcelli from the XDS Astana Team.
Furthermore, Haruhi Honda from the local team VC Fukuoka won the Best Japanese Award, given to the top Japanese cyclist! During the award ceremony, chants of “Haruhi!” echoed throughout the venue, enveloping the event in the warm support unique to the local community.
Summary: A Journey Around Kyushu Starting with Road Racing
In the port town of Sasebo, you can experience scenery associated with its naval heritage, while in Fukuoka’s Tenjin district, you’ll witness riders racing at top speed through a city lined with skyscrapers. Even though it’s the same road race, each host city offers completely different landscapes and atmospheres—this is the true charm of the event. Above all, the sheer determination of the riders as they approached the finish was truly astonishing!
As the event expands to more locations, expectations are high that the charms of Kyushu will be shared with the world. Watching the race can inspire you to visit a city you’re curious about and experience the local food, culture, and nature. This new way of enjoying Kyushu—combining cycling and travel—looks set to become more widespread.
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