Mynavi Japan Cup Yokosuka 2024: A Thrilling BMX Showdown Despite Adverse Weather
The Mynavi Japan Cup Yokosuka 2024, held at Umikaze Park in Yokosuka, showcased the best of BMX freestyle competition across three exciting days from September 26–29. Despite challenges posed by adverse weather, the event attracted a strong turnout of BMX fans and featured memorable performances from elite athletes. Riders competed in both Freestyle Park and Flatland categories, demonstrating incredible skill, agility, and determination.
With the support of Yokosuka City, this international competition marked its third year and has grown in prestige, drawing top Japanese riders and international competitors alike. This year’s event was particularly significant as it served as a UCI C1 level competition, meaning that the results had a direct impact on riders’ chances of qualifying for global championships.
Although some events were unfortunately canceled due to strong winds and rain, the competitors delivered spectacular performances in the heats. Standout riders like Rim Nakamura and Miharu Ozawa once again dominated the Freestyle Park, while Yu Katagiri and Sona Yoshimura triumphed in the Flatland categories. Their remarkable achievements, combined with the breathtaking atmosphere at Umikaze Park, left spectators in awe and further solidified Yokosuka’s reputation as a central hub for BMX culture.
Freestyle Park Results
Men’s Elite
1st Place: Rim Nakamura / 90.38 points
2nd Place: Kaede Ozawa / 82.00 points
3rd Place: Shoa Matsumoto / 75.63 points
Women’s Elite
1st Place: Miharu Ozawa / 76.75 points
2nd Place: Yuika Yamamoto / 62.25 points
3rd Place: Nene Naito / 60.38 points
Men’s Elite Class: Rim Nakamura’s Dominating Victory
In the Men’s Elite Class of the Freestyle Park category, Rim Nakamura showcased an outstanding performance, continuing his streak of success on the global BMX stage. Nakamura, who placed 5th in the Paris Olympics and secured a silver medal at the X Games Chiba 2024, came into the competition as the favorite. Due to adverse weather conditions, the finals were canceled, and the results were based on the qualifying heats held on September 28th.
Nakamura’s qualifying run was nothing short of spectacular. He executed a series of high-difficulty tricks, including the “Backflip Barspin to Barspin Back,” “Flare Double Barspin,” and “Barspin 720.” In his second run, he improved the precision of his tricks, delivering a flawless “Backflip Barspin to Barspin Back to Barspin,” “Tuck No-Hander 720,” and a stylish “360 Invert,” securing the highest score of the competition. With a commanding lead, Nakamura clinched his second consecutive victory at the Yokosuka event.
Reflecting on his win, Nakamura said, “I felt like I was able to perform better here than in my international competitions, and I was in great form during my run.”
Women’s Elite Class: Miharu Ozawa’s Consecutive Wins
In the Women’s Elite Class, Miharu Ozawa delivered another brilliant performance, winning her second consecutive title following her triumph at the Nagoya tournament. Despite the challenging winds, Ozawa managed to execute a flawless run, showcasing her incredible range of tricks.
Ozawa’s first run featured complex moves such as the “Truckdriver” and “Tailwhip,” followed by stylish executions of the “Toboggan” and “Can-Can” through the spine sections, ending with a clean “X-Up” on the quarter. In her second run, despite the strong winds, she successfully landed a “Backflip” on the box jump and followed it up with a perfect “Tailwhip” and “360” on the spine. Her exceptional skill and ability to handle difficult conditions earned her the top spot in the competition, securing back-to-back victories.
Reflecting on her victory, Ozawa expressed her excitement, stating, “I’m really happy to win again after Nagoya. I gave it everything I had and was able to use all of my skills to take first place, so I’m really glad.”
Flatland Results
Men’s Elite
1st Place: Yu Katagiri / 89.75 points
2nd Place: Moto Sasaki / 88.25 points
3rd Place: Masato Ito / 85.00 points
Women’s Elite
1st Place: Sona Yoshimura / 79.50 points
2nd Place: Nina Suzuki / 79.25 points
3rd Place: Yui Kiyomune / 70.25 points
Men’s Elite Class: Yu Katagiri’s Impressive Win
In the Men’s Elite Class of the Flatland competition, Yu Katagiri secured his second consecutive victory, following his triumph at the Nagoya tournament. Despite strong competition from veterans like Moto Sasaki and Masato Ito, Katagiri’s precise execution and innovative tricks earned him the top spot. The final rankings were based on the results of the qualifying heats, as the finals were canceled due to adverse weather conditions.
“It’s an honor to take first place among such strong competitors, and I’m thrilled to win back-to-back titles after Nagoya. I feel like things are going really well for me right now,” Katagiri said, expressing his excitement over his back-to-back victories.
Women’s Elite Class: Sona Yoshimura’s Flawless Performance
Sona Yoshimura delivered an exceptional performance in the Women’s Elite Class of the Flatland competition, clinching first place after a closely contested battle. Yoshimura, known for her precision and consistency, executed her tricks flawlessly, maintaining control throughout her run without a single mistake.
“I’m delighted that I could nail all my tricks without any mistakes, and securing first place makes it all the more rewarding,” Yoshimura commented, reflecting on her seamless execution and well-deserved win.
BMX Action in Yokosuka: Event Highlights and Local Attractions
The Mynavi Japan Cup Yokosuka 2024 was a resounding success despite the challenges posed by unpredictable weather. The competition saw elite BMX riders from Japan and abroad push the limits of their skills in both the Freestyle Park and Flatland categories. While some events were canceled due to strong winds, the athletes delivered outstanding performances during the heats, leaving a lasting impression on the spectators.
This year’s event, held at Umikaze Park, further established Yokosuka as a central hub for BMX culture in Japan. Known for its skate parks and BMX-friendly facilities, Umikaze Park has become a favorite spot for both local and international riders. The park’s diverse features, including a dirt jump course, continue to attract riders of all levels, making Yokosuka a key location for BMX events and training.
For visitors coming to Yokosuka, Umikaze Park offers not only an exciting BMX scene but also stunning views of Tokyo Bay, making it a perfect destination for tourists and sports enthusiasts alike. In addition to the BMX competition, Yokosuka provides various attractions such as the iconic Mikasa Park, the Naval Port, and the local craft beer scene, offering a blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure.
As the Mynavi Japan Cup grows in prominence, it not only strengthens Yokosuka’s position on the international BMX map but also enhances the city’s reputation as a dynamic tourist destination, offering a unique combination of sporting events and sightseeing opportunities.
Looking Ahead: The Future of BMX in Yokosuka
The Mynavi Japan Cup Yokosuka 2024 showcased the best of BMX freestyle, with thrilling performances across both the Freestyle Park and Flatland disciplines. Despite the challenges of adverse weather, elite riders like Rim Nakamura, Miharu Ozawa, Yu Katagiri, and Sona Yoshimura proved their skills and determination, delivering memorable moments for fans and solidifying their places in the BMX community.
As the event continues to grow, Yokosuka remains a vital location for BMX culture and competition, attracting top athletes and offering a unique combination of sports and tourism. The success of this year’s event reaffirms the city’s commitment to fostering BMX talent and creating a dynamic environment for future events. With both the athletes and the city poised for continued success, the Mynavi Japan Cup Yokosuka promises even more exciting developments in the years to come.
Read more about the event
For a complete list of competition results, please visit the official website:
https://japanbmx.com/japancup-yokosuka/result/
