This City Trial Japan competition is where only the top 10 overall from the previous results, including the sixth round at SUGO, are allowed to participate. This marks the final battle of 2024 for the pinnacle class of Japanese trial, the International A-Class Super. The venue, located against the in front of Osaka City Hall, is the quintessential location for a city trial. This final race differs significantly from the previous All-Japan series, generating attention for the potential of something extraordinary to occur.

The event consisted of four sections, which would be tackled in both directions for a total of eight sections. The top six would then advance to the final, tackling two sections back and forth.

Takahisa Fujinami (Honda RTL ELECTRIC) had climbed to eighth overall with two consecutive wins prior to this weekend, would attempt the difficult sections. The first section (eighth on the way back) and the fourth section (fifth on the way back) involved large logs, the second (seventh on the way back) used concrete blocks, and the third (sixth on the way back) featured wooden materials. The day before, heavy rain had left the logs slippery when the riders arrived, but on the day of the competition, clear weather had allowed the surfaces to regain grip.

As the third to attempt, Fujinami, unable to hide his nerves, put a foot down once in the third section, passing the initial four sections with a score of one point.

In the return trip, Fujinami showed his strength. Although he had one foot down in the seventh section, he had a total score of two points as he awaited the attempts of his rivals. The six finalists were Fujinami, Tomoyuki Ogawa, Ujikawa, Kuroyama, Yoshito Takeda, and Tsuyoshi Ogawa.

Veteran riders’ determination was palpable here. Takeda incurred five points consecutively in the first and second sections, dropping to sixth place. Tsuyoshi Ogawa also fell out of the top contention after incurring one point and three points. Ujikawa fell from contention as well, with one point and five points in sections seven and eight.

At this point, it seemed likely that the podium would be filled by Fujinami, Tomoyuki, and Kuroyama. However, they too faced the risk of falling to lower positions with any significant mistakes. Kuroyama was the first to try and tackled each section cleanly, finishing all four sections without penalties, applying pressure on Fujinami and Tomoyuki.

Fujinami’s final attempt began. Having cleaned all four sections alongside Kuroyama and Tomoyuki, there was no reason he couldn’t do the same. However, the possibility of a small mistake leading to five penalty points loomed large. Fujinami’s attempts maintained their power until the end, and this was destined to be his last try in front of his fans in Japan. His passionate resolve carried him through, and he finished the four final sections cleanly.

Fujinami Takahisa prevailed to win all three competitions he entered in his debut season with the RTL ELECTRIC after 21 years in the All-Japan Championship.

Takahisa Fujinami, Team HRC #27

“During my time competing in the World Championship before retirement, and now supporting Toni Bou and Gabriel Marcelli as a manager, each role carries its own challenges. However, the pressure to win these three races was unprecedented. Although this was the third race, it was tough in its own right. When I incurred a point early on, I thought I might not win today. Although I managed to create a five-point lead by the final, five points can easily be overturned by a single five-point mistake, so I couldn’t relax and continued to try until the end. I’m truly glad I was able to win all three and repay Honda’s expectations and the development team’s efforts. I believe this result wouldn’t have been possible without this staff. It was also a great blessing to compete in front of Japanese fans one last time. Thank you!”

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