“If I suffered like that, I would stop” – Japanese icon reflects on a longstanding career

After a fertile and successful career, the best Japanese rider ever Yukiya Arashiro no longer rides to prove anything to anyone. The 41-year old does not have a contract for the upcoming season yet, but retirement does not seem a possibility for now.

Now part of Team Solution Tech - Vini Fantini, a ProTeam squad mostly competing across Asia and Europe, Arashiro continues to find motivation and joy in the sport. At the Saitama Criterium, an unofficial event organized by ASO where the peloton eases up to thank the fans, he once again took center stage.

“For me, every year it’s special to be in Saitama. The fans wait a whole year for this event. It feels different,” he told MARCA before the race.

After 10 years riding for WorldTour teams (Team Europcar, Lampre Merida and Bahrain - Victorious), Arashiro’s change of environment has brought a new perspective. “We’re not a big team, but this year we had more than 20 victories. The team made an important step forward,” he explained.

His season took him from China, Taiwan, and Japan to several races in Europe, and the shift has allowed him to rediscover cycling’s essence. “Before, I always looked for a mission for the next year. Now I just enjoy the season,” he reflected.

This year, Arashiro raced five events in Japan, including Kumano, Kyushu, and the Japan Cup. Yet he remains realistic about the sport’s development in his home country, which is far from the top level. “The level in Japan is still not the same as in Europe. It’s growing, yes, but there’s still a lack of depth,” he admitted.

Arashiro's best result came in China, where he finished in second place at the Tour of Binzhou, only losing to Simon Pellaud. During the Asian calendar, he also crossed paths with fellow veteran Francisco Mancebo (49 years old and still active), whose persistence caught his attention. “If I suffered like that, I would stop. But he continues. Every rider has different motivations. If he enjoys it, why not?”

Looking toward Spain, Arashiro shared memories of his former Bahrain teammates Mikel Landa and Pello Bilbao. Of Landa, he said: “After such an injury, the body takes time to come back. I hope he has rested. If he did, next year he can return strong.”

Speaking of Bilbao, he added with emotion: “This year he didn’t have luck due to mechanical issues and bad moments. It’s not about strength. I think next year he’ll have an explosion.”

Finally, Arashiro reflected on cycling’s unpredictability. “Cycling is open to everyone. One mistake, one crash, or one bad day for a favorite changes everything. Nothing is written.”