The Bike Leg: 177.6 km and Nearly 3,000 m of Climbing Despite the "Flat" Tag

The Number That Matters: 2,956 m of Elevation Gain

Let's start with the critical point. The official page labels the bike course as "flat," but it lists 2,956 m of elevation gain over a measured 177.6 km (nominally 180). An independent analysis estimates 2,621 m: the sources disagree on the exact number, but they agree on one thing: this is not a flat course. For comparison, many full-distance races billed as "hilly" sit between 1,500 and 2,000 m. Here you're above 2,500 either way.

What to do, concretely: mount gearing for a rolling course. A compact or semi-compact with a generous cassette (at least 30 teeth in the back, better 32-34 if you're not a climber) lets you climb at a high cadence without burning your legs for the marathon. If you were planning on a 54 with an 11-28 because "it's flat anyway," think again.

Where You Ride: The Hakodate-Esashi Expressway

175 of the 177.6 km take place on the Hakodate-Esashi expressway, closed to traffic, with smooth tarmac. It's a rare and valuable setting: no intersections, no potholes, no cars. The flip side is that an expressway is by definition exposed: little shelter, long straights, wind doing its work.

The typical wind in the area is from the NE at around 18 km/h (roughly 5 m/s). It's not a storm, but over 6-7 hours of racing it makes the difference between those who hold the aero position and those who don't. Train to stay in your aerobars for long blocks, even 60-90 minutes straight, and check that your position is sustainable: an aggressive aero position you abandon after two hours is worth less than a moderate position you can hold all day.

Pacing: Watts, Not Speed

On a course with real elevation gain and wind, the speedometer lies. Pacing should be done by power (or by calibrated perceived effort, if you don't have a power meter). The course analysis suggests a precise strategy: start controlled and build speed in the second half. Several factors support it: with nearly 3,000 m of climbing spread out, anyone who pushes hard in the first 60 km pays on the later ramps and arrives at the marathon drained.

Rule of thumb: in the first 45-60 minutes stay below your race-day watt target, then settle in. On the climbs, limit the spikes: every minute above threshold on a climb gets paid back with interest in Kikonai. On the expressway's false flats, on the other hand, that's where you gain: aero, smooth cadence, steady watts.

Point to Point: T1 in Hokuto, T2 in Kikonai

The course is point to point: you start from T1 in Hokuto and arrive at T2 in Kikonai, where the finish line is too. This has two practical consequences. First: race bags need to be organized carefully, because you don't return to the start. Second: everything you need on the bike must be on the bike or in the right bag — no "I'll grab it on the next lap," because there are no laps.

The Pre-Race Checklist

• Gearing: verify in training that you can climb at 80+ rpm on sustained gradients with the gears you've mounted.
• Aero position: a 3-4 hour test in the aerobars on a wind-exposed road.
• Pacing plan: define your target watts and a hard ceiling for the climbs. Write them on your top tube if needed.
• Simulation: at least one long ride of 150+ km with comparable elevation gain (2,500 m+), followed by a progression run.

The verdict: a fast course for those who respect it, a trap for those who believe the "flat" tag. The smooth tarmac and closed road reward those who show up prepared for the climbing and the wind. Prepare for a hilly race with time-trial aesthetics.