Free National Cycling Event 'Cycle Ball Season 7' Opens April 25
Roots Sports Japan will launch 'Cycle Ball Season 7,' a long-term cycling event across Japan, starting April 25, 2026. Participants can enjoy riding one-lap courses using the 'TraVelo' app for free, contributing to regional revitalization.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 21:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 24, 2026 at 12:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 25, 2026 at 01:51 (13h 19m after Collected)
Roots Sports Japan (RSJ), based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and led by Yoshiyuki Nakajima, will host the 'Cycle Ball Season 7 - Journey to Conquer the Grand Ball' starting Saturday, April 25, 2026. RSJ aims to root sports culture in Japan through regional cycle tourism.
Now in its 7th consecutive year since its 2020 debut, the event has seen approximately 39,000 participants riding one-lap courses across Japan over the past six seasons. Participation is free, and anyone with a bicycle—from beginners to advanced riders—can join. Unlike traditional races, there are no rankings or time limits, allowing participants to tackle courses at their own pace.
### Event Overview
- **Name:** Cycle Ball Season 7 - Journey to Conquer the Grand Ball
- **Fee:** Free
- **Period:** April 25, 2026 – January 31, 2027 (End dates vary by region)
- **Organizer:** Tour de Nippon (Roots Sports Japan)
- **Co-organizers:** Sports Commission Odate, Oga City (Akita), Ishinomaki Tourism Promotion Organization, Oshima Town (Tokyo), and various local legacy committees.
- **Official Website:** https://tour-de-nippon.jp/cycle-ball/
### Season 7 Stages (Initial Lineup)
At launch, seven stages are available in areas including Akita (Odate/Oga), Miyagi (Oshika Peninsula), Tokyo (Izu Oshima/Tama), and Shizuoka (Izu/Fuji). Each stage offers multiple courses ranging from short 18-29km rides to challenging 111-128km routes. More stages will be added through August, with Season 6 having featured 14 stages in total.
### How to Participate
Participants only need a smartphone and a bicycle. By using the specialized cycling app 'TraVelo,' users can search for recommended ride plans, check maps, and even earn ride rewards. To celebrate the opening, a 'Cycle Ball Opening Declaration' campaign is running from April 17 to May 31, offering prizes like 'Support Sets' and original stickers to lucky winners and finishers.
### Regional Revitalization Through Cycle Tourism
Cycle Ball serves as a nationwide collaborative event linking regions as destinations. Many participants travel from afar, contributing to the local economy through accommodation, dining, and souvenir purchases. In Season 6, the average local spending per person per stage reached approximately 8,400 yen. Multiple municipalities are partnering in this initiative to expand tourism and exchange populations through cycling.
Now in its 7th consecutive year since its 2020 debut, the event has seen approximately 39,000 participants riding one-lap courses across Japan over the past six seasons. Participation is free, and anyone with a bicycle—from beginners to advanced riders—can join. Unlike traditional races, there are no rankings or time limits, allowing participants to tackle courses at their own pace.
### Event Overview
- **Name:** Cycle Ball Season 7 - Journey to Conquer the Grand Ball
- **Fee:** Free
- **Period:** April 25, 2026 – January 31, 2027 (End dates vary by region)
- **Organizer:** Tour de Nippon (Roots Sports Japan)
- **Co-organizers:** Sports Commission Odate, Oga City (Akita), Ishinomaki Tourism Promotion Organization, Oshima Town (Tokyo), and various local legacy committees.
- **Official Website:** https://tour-de-nippon.jp/cycle-ball/
### Season 7 Stages (Initial Lineup)
At launch, seven stages are available in areas including Akita (Odate/Oga), Miyagi (Oshika Peninsula), Tokyo (Izu Oshima/Tama), and Shizuoka (Izu/Fuji). Each stage offers multiple courses ranging from short 18-29km rides to challenging 111-128km routes. More stages will be added through August, with Season 6 having featured 14 stages in total.
### How to Participate
Participants only need a smartphone and a bicycle. By using the specialized cycling app 'TraVelo,' users can search for recommended ride plans, check maps, and even earn ride rewards. To celebrate the opening, a 'Cycle Ball Opening Declaration' campaign is running from April 17 to May 31, offering prizes like 'Support Sets' and original stickers to lucky winners and finishers.
### Regional Revitalization Through Cycle Tourism
Cycle Ball serves as a nationwide collaborative event linking regions as destinations. Many participants travel from afar, contributing to the local economy through accommodation, dining, and souvenir purchases. In Season 6, the average local spending per person per stage reached approximately 8,400 yen. Multiple municipalities are partnering in this initiative to expand tourism and exchange populations through cycling.