Most university professors typically find themselves immersed in academic pursuits while other interests are regulated to occasional weekends or put entirely on the shelf for retirement, but a recent opportunity allowed a professor in the Department of Foreign Languages to step into a different role – that of a pacemaker in a local cycling event called the Tour de Chanpon.

The “Tour de Champon” road bike tournament was started in 2012 in Holland Village, Saikai City. The venue was moved to Iojima from the 6th tournament. Unfortunately, the 8th tournament was canceled due to the impact of a typhoon, and the 9th tournament this was postponed to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus infection. The venue was moved to Nomozaki since the 10th tournament.

This year marks the 11th tournament with the start and finish line at the Nagasaki City Dinosaur Museum. The cycling event has been divided into four courses—105 km “King” course, 80 km “Expert” course, 55 km “Basic” course, and a 20 km “Family” course. The course offers a view of Battleship Island (Gunkanjima), Ioujima, and the seaside of Nomozaki. Details about the event can be found at the official “Tour de Champon” webpage: https://www.tourdechanpon.com/

Event organizers made an announcement seeking volunteers to act as pacemakers. For those unfamiliar with the term, a pacemaker is a cyclist in professional events who sets a consistent pace for the group, allowing others to draft behind and conserve energy. A pacemaker should maintain a constant average pace to allow cyclists to anticipate the time they will cross the finish line. In the Tour de Chanpon, the role of a pacemaker is to also assist with cyclists who have retired from the event and to assist with mechanical issues or provide aid when needed.

Sunday, October 22nd marked the 11th tournament for the “Tour de Chanpon” event held at Nomozaki in Nagasaki City. The course traversed over mountains and valleys while cyclists enjoyed the beautiful seascape of Nagasaki. The World Heritage Site Gunkanjima could be seen in full view from the start line.

The Department of Foreign Languages professor served as one of the 105 kilometer “King Course” pacemaker members. On the day of the event, he showed up at the starting line, donning the pacemaker jersey, ready to play his part. His role was simple yet vital – to set a steady pace for the group, provide aid and encourage others to ride their best. As he cycled through the event, his role was about motivating others to push their limits and reach the finish line. He shared words of encouragement and cheered on fellow riders, finding joy in their successes.

The professor’s journey as a pacemaker in the Tour de Chanpon was not about seeking accolades. It was about giving back, embracing a new challenge, and supporting the cycling community. He is grateful for the opportunity to have played a small part in the event and to have witnessed the determination and spirit of the participants.

As he reflects on this experience, he wants to encourage everyone, as students and staff, to seek opportunities to contribute to your communities in your own humble way. Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences come when we step out of our comfort zones and embrace new roles, no matter how unassuming they may seem.