Fumy Beppu, professional cyclist
Tyler Foundation（TF）: Currently what kind of activities are you doing? What was 2007 like?
Fumy Beppu（FB）: Currently I am a professional road racer, competing in Europe. I have raced with the Discovery Channel professional cycling team for 3 seasons, and this year, I raced in one of the major races, Tour de Romandie and came in second place. This year was a year where I could see myself make most progress.
TF: What inspired you to become professional?
FB: Before I became professional, there were hardly any professional road athletes, and there were people who have said, “Japanese people cannot become professional”. As I had entered into the field of cycling, it was my dream to be professional, and I really wanted to become professional. After graduating from High school and I went to France, I had strong feelings that I was determined to live in the world of cycling and that I will definitely do it!
The amateur world is a tough world. Everyone wants to become professional. Even in Europe, in a year there are only a few who become professional road racers. It is the best racers that have gone through this harsh world, and that is why I think the professional world is glamorous and beautiful.
TF: Fumi-san, as a professional cyclist, what is cycling? To you, what is a "bicycle?"
FB: An occupation. To me, a “bicycle” is a wonderful vehicle that makes me delighted, angry, and sad.
TF: Until now, (As a professional) what was the most difficult, painful, hardest challenge?
FB: Even though you have your own ideas, you must be professional when you are working. Being an assistant, and helping out the ace athlete is part of the job. Each person has a different way of thinking. In some cases, I feel trapped and constrained because of the coach’s instructions.
TF: What was your happiest, wonderful moment?
FB: To meet people, to go to different countries and to visit a whole new world! Also, it’s my real joy to meet people and to be approached by many people.
TF: Down the road, what kind of athlete would you like to become? What direction are you heading towards? Thru cycling what message would you like to get across?
FB: Being trusted by everyone, and winning the major races is the kind of athlete I would like to become. And, Europe offers me that platform now, so from now on I would like have many different experiences.
TF: Is it your first time to participate in an event like this? Are you looking forward to it? (We are looking forward to it!)
FB: I have been to a number of parties which the teams host; in Japan this is my first time to attend a party like this, and I am looking forward to it.
TF: What was the reason that made you decide to participate in this event? (What are you expecting from this event or what do you want to be expected? what would you like to do at the event, what kind of message would you like to communicate?)
FB: To keep children smiling, I would like to help as much as possible. Because thru racing, I would like to give many people courage, and I would like more people to watch me race.
TF: Do you have anything to say to your fans?
FB: This coming season is the Olympic year. In 2008 I will be competing in a new team. I am physically and mentally prepared, and I am personally excited. I will do my best to meet everyone’s expectations!
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