Photo= The Cycle Road Race's participants compete with one another going uphill through "Kuki-ga-saka" (Miyama-cho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture)

"Kyoto Miyama Cycle Road Race," a bicycle race on verdurous roads in Miyama, Kyoto Prefecture, took place over two days from May 21 to 22 in Miyama-cho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture. Approximately 1,200 participants from across Japan pedaled off with all their might, encouraged by roadside cheers.

Two courses were set for the 22nd. One was 10.2 kilometers for general cyclists, and the other was five kilometers for beginners. The start and finish points were in front of the city's Miyama Branch Office in Shima, Miyama-cho. Cyclists competed separately according to level, gender, age and other factors.

Japan's top cyclists also participated in the longest 71.4-kilometer race, completing a challenging course with 113-meter difference in height. At a mountain pass on National Route 162, commonly known as "Kuki-ga-saka," the participants ascended a steep winding slope and then went downhill through sharp curves with powerful speed.

The race was hosted by the planning committee consisting of Nantan City Government, Nantan City's Sports Association, Kyoto Cycling Federation of Kyoto Prefecture and others. It also serves as a prefectural qualifying trial for the National Sports Festival. This year marked its 31st anniversary. From last year, the duration of the event was extended to two days. A safety training program and time trials were held on May 21.

As booths were set up to sell various products in front of the city's Miyama Branch Office, the site was busy all day long.