A Challenging Japanese National Downhill Championship at Wing Hills
A Challenging Japanese
National Downhill Championship at Wing Hills
Wet conditions greeted riders at Wing Hills Shirotori Resort in Gifu Prefecture for the 2026 Japanese National Downhill Championships, where Shouma Tsuchiya and Mio Suemasa emerged victorious to claim Japan’s most coveted gravity racing titles.
One of the country’s favourite downhill destinations, Wing Hills is renowned for its varied terrain, technical features and high-speed motorway-style sections. The venue’s combination of natural terrain and bike park-built features makes it a fitting host for a championship where riders must demonstrate speed, precision and adaptability.
This year’s event was made even more challenging by rain, which left the track slick and demanding throughout the weekend. Riders were forced to balance aggression with control as they navigated the changing conditions in pursuit of the national champion’s jersey.
In the Men’s Elite category, Shouma Tsuchiya put together the fastest run of the day to secure the 2026 national title. He finished ahead of Kazuki Shimizu in second place, while Kota Tanaka rounded out the podium in third.
The Women’s Elite race saw Mio Suemasa claim the championship jersey, with Reia Kamura finishing second and Misato Watanabe taking third place.
The Japanese National Championships remain one of the most important events on the domestic calendar, with the winners earning the right to wear the national champion’s colours for the next twelve months. Unlike a season-long series, the title is decided on a single race weekend, making every run count when the stakes are at their highest.
Despite the challenging weather, riders across all categories delivered impressive performances on one of Japan’s most respected downhill tracks. The combination of technical sections, fast motorway-style stretches and slippery conditions ensured that only the most complete riders would find themselves at the top of the standings.
As the season continues, Tsushima and Suemasa will carry the distinction of being Japan’s reigning National Downhill Champions, having earned their titles in demanding conditions at one of the country’s most celebrated gravity venues.
A fantastic race at a fantastic venue.
Elite Men
- Shouma Tsuchiya
- Kazuki Shimizu
- Kota Tanaka
Elite Women
- Mio Suemasa
- Reia Kamura
- Misato Watanabe
