Every generation has a changing of the guard; sports are no different as players, coaches and staff all change. This change is even greater in high school sports as students are constantly coming and leaving. Yowamushi Pedal New Generation, which premiered on January 9th, 2017, focuses on the next generation of the Sohoku Bicycle Racing Club as they prepare to defend their inter-high championship.
Background:
Yowamushi Pedal New Generation is a direct sequel to Yowamushi Pedal where the Sohoku Bicycle Racing Club won the inter-high. Yet this victory is bittersweet as Kinjou, Makishima, and Tadokoro are all third years and have to withdraw from the team, as they are graduating. Upon leaving, Kinjou appoints Teshima as the new captain with Aoyagi as vice-captain to lead the Sohoku to defend their inter-high championship. While this is occurring each of the first years receives an upgrade to their bicycle as a means to improve their ability. Imaizumi receives a bicycle with a stronger frame and electrical gear change system. This will give him an advantage when riding, as it will allow for easier gear changes to occur at a faster and smoother rate and reduce stress on his body. Onoda also receives a bicycle upgrade as he is given a carbon module cast framed bicycle. This is an advantage for his riding style as the bicycle weighs less than his current bicycle resulting in him using less energy to climb hills and inclines. The final upgrade is for Naruko who receives carbon deep-rimmed wheels, which reduce winded and increase traction allowing for greater speeds to be achieved on flats. Despite these upgrades and the changes to the Sohoku Bicycle Racing Club, Imaizumi, Onoda and Naruko under captain Teshima, have their work cut out for them as they set out to defend their title.
What to expect:
The anime has established that Yowamushi Pedal Next Generation will focus on how a team is continuously changing and improving their skills to remain on top. It is clear that the Sohoku Bicycle Racing Club has undergone major changes as the third years have retired. In their place Teshima has become the new captain, as a result we are expected to see a difference in leadership and interactions between team members. Furthermore, Teshima is known for being a strategist, which will effect how the team trains, approaches, and performs during races. The anime also highlights how Imaizumi, Onoda, and Naruko each have received an upgrade to their bicycles. Despite having these upgrades the three of them are easily out raced, thus hinting that throughout the series they will be further developing their skills and abilities, as they prepare to defend their inter-high championship.
You can catch purchase the manga of Yowamushi Pedal here.
