2022 GOALS: U23 UCI World Cup champ Asuma Nakai (JPN)

Feb 01, 2022

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 1769 times

In 2021 a new class was introduced, the U23 class. The success of it lead to the class being implemented at all BMX races listed on the UCI calendar. Rising star of the U23 class in 2021 was non other than Mongoose's Asuma Nakai. He was the man to beat and won the World Cup overall title but missed out on the World Championship victory. Still young enough to enter the U23 in 2022 we can't wait to see what Asuma will bring. Hopefully some of them insane whips too (see FATBMX Insta post of 31 January). As far as preparation is concerned, see below.

Name: Asuma Nakai
Age: 21
Hometown: Joetsu, Japan
Sponsors: Mongoose/Xlarge/Motocross International/Oakley/FoxRacing/Shimano/Tioga/Ikon/StanceSocks/WesternRiver/flexdream/CW-X/OgawaRingyo

Did 2021 turn out the way you wanted?
Asuma Nakai: Of course It wasn’t perfect, but really good. I couldn’t achieve my biggest goal of my life which is competing at Tokyo Olympic. Even though Japan has already selected the rider in February 2020, it was held in 2021 so that was a disappointment. But overall, it was really good because I won the first ever U23 UCI World Cup series title. That was special to me.

With the start of the new year, are you always looking to become a faster racer?
Asuma Nakai: Absolutely. Getting faster and win the race. That is my biggest motivation.

Have you picked your races for 2022 yet?
Asuma Nakai: Yes. I’ll do most of USABMX race circuit. And UCI World Cups/World Champs. Also we have the Asian Games. Which is like an Asian Olympic. We have it once every 4 years.

What did you change on your bike for 2022?
Asuma Nakai: Mongoose BMX released the new “Mongoose Title Team” so I picked that frame instead of my current frame “Mongoose Title Elite” since I run the disc brake. My new bike is still in the lab. Waiting for all the parts.

Do you generally test things in the off season like different tires, different sized frames, wider bars, longer stems, different gears?
Asuma Nakai: I haven’t for a while. I love the way my bike is right now.

What racing gear will you be running in 2022?
Asuma Nakai: Fox Racing. The best!

What's the helmet of your choice for the new season?
Asuma Nakai: Fox Racing! I used Rampage comp in 2021 but I’ll go back to Rampage Pro for 2022

Do you intend to eat better in 2022?
Asuma Nakai: I always do. If not, I eat ramen every day.

Has your training schedule changed from last year?
Asuma Nakai: No. I’m following the same training circuit.

Who is helping you with your training schedule?
Asuma Nakai: The Sprint Block man. Sean Dwight.

Do you get help with mental coaching?
Asuma Nakai: I used to with my uni, but not anymore.

What's your local BMX track that you ride the most?
Asuma Nakai: Since I travel around the world, I don’t know where to call my “local track” but Osaka track in Japan is fun to ride.

Do you ride pump tracks and trails to improve your bike handling skills?
Asuma Nakai: I love to ride a bike in general. At any kind of spot. I built up a Mongoose Legion to ride skate parks/dirt jumps. It’s really fun!

What are your strengths?
Asuma Nakai: Bike riding skills!

What are your weaknesses?
Asuma Nakai: Gates to first jump.

What are your goals for 2022?
Asuma Nakai: Become U23 UCI BMX Racing World Champion!