This was the year I finally learned how to ride a bicycle. I found Yowamushi Pedal by going a quick Google on cycling anime. The main character is the Reluctant Hero archetype who immediately wins fans by being an anime nerd who is shy and completely guileless. As the story progresses, he encounters characters who represent archetypes well-known to fans of sports anime:
The Icy Cool, Talented Athlete
The Fiery Athlete (who says/does things you wouldn’t dare do yourself)
The Cute Might-Be-Love Interest (romance doesn’t happen in sports anime)
Casualties (characters who are forced to drop out of competition, and when they do, it’s treated like losing a comrade in a war movie).
The Friendly Rival (he clicks with you immediately but it turns out you have to beat him later)
I later learned that this anime was based on a manga written by a cycling enthusiast. The attention to detail in bicycle riding/racing technique and equipment becomes apparent. While the story does not offer many surprises, it is well executed, with some great racing animation sequences, with a very satisfying conclusion.
First episode on Crunchyroll (can be watched for free - paid subscription eliminates the ads)
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