From inexperienced pioneer to oldest pro in the peloton: Yukiya Arashiro is far from stopping

Cycling is a European sport. Even though more and more (South) Americans are getting involved at the highest level, it is still the Europeans who dominate. From Asia, there are still only a few riders competing, but there is one who has been in the peloton for a long time. And Yukiya Arashiro has no intention of hanging up his bike yet.

Arashiro was picked up by Bbox Bouygues Telecom after fine results on the local and French circuits. At the Pro-continental team, he became the second Japanese to mix in the pro circuit. He was immediately thrust into the Tour de France, even finishing fifth in the second stage. With that, a national legend was born.

Until 2015 he rode for the French team, which from 2011 went through life as Team Europcar. In 2016 he made the move to Lampre-Merida, but the following year he again opted for a long-term adventure. Bahrain-Merida knocked on the door, and the now 32-year-old Japanese couldn't say no. It was the beginning of an eight-year partnership.

After nine consecutive seasons in the WorldTour, Arashiro stepped down in 2025. He signed with Solution Tech - Vini Fantini. Under the wings of that team, he was present at home this weekend for the Saitama Criterium, where he was one of the biggest crowd favorites. 'For me, every year it is special to be in Saitama,' he told Marca. 'The fans wait all year for this event. It feels different.'

The Japanese crowd could not get enough of Arashiro, who is immensely popular in his own country. As the most experienced man, he is worth his weight in gold for the Italian team, which is particularly successful in the smaller races. 'We are not a big team, but this year we have had more than 20 victories. The team has taken an important step forward.'

Arashiro now cycles mostly for fun. 'Before, I was always looking for a mission for the next year. Now I just enjoy the season,' said the 41-year-old sprinter, who officially does not yet have a contract for next year. But he certainly doesn't want to quit just yet. If it is up to him, he will continue with the sport for a long time to come.

He wants to follow the example of another legend. Francisco Mancebo still finished third in the Vuelta a España in 2004, but from 2008 he haunted the continental circuit. Only this year did he bid farewell to the sport. Arashiro has nothing but praise for the 49-year-old Spaniard. 'If I suffered like that, I would quit. But he continues. Every cyclist has different motives. If you enjoy it, why not?'

So the career of the Japanese pioneer will hopefully continue for a while. He has meant a lot to the sport in his country, but he also knows that the status of cycling is still not very big. 'The level in Japan is not yet the same as in Europe. It is improving, yes, but there is still a lack of depth,' is his analysis. But, who knows, maybe the first Japanese Pogacar is already cycling around among the youth....