Yowamushi Pedal

Wataru Watanabe's Yowamushi Pedal follows the unassuming main character and major otaku Sakamichi Onoda, who has been biking back and forth to Akihabara on a "mommy bike" since he was in fourth grade. Shunsuke Imaizumi, the school's cycling prodigy, notices Sakamichi climbing the school's difficult back slope one day. Following that, Shunsuke challenges Sakamichi to a race to test his cycling abilities. Sakamichi gradually develops an interest in competitive cycling and eventually joins the school's cycling club.

Yowamushi Pedal is unlike any other sports manga for several reasons. Sakamichi, the main character, is not a fan of school sports and has reservations about jocks and what it means to be a member of an athletic club from the start. Sakamichi also has an incredible natural talent for cycling that no one can see except him. The story is set up in a way that reminds you of Initial D, where the MC learns a sport through their daily lives and isn't interested in competing competitively, at least at first. You never know who will win a race, which is unusual for a sports manga, particularly a Shonen sports manga.

Wataru Watanabe, the creator of Yowamushi Pedal, is a cycling enthusiast, and his enthusiasm shines through in his writing. That being said, whether you like cycling or not, Yowamushi Pedal will captivate you, give you a new perspective on cycling, and take you on an exciting ride!

Author: Wataru Watanabe
Original run: February 21, 2008 – present
Volumes: 84
Status: Ongoing
Buy here: https://www.amazon.com/yowamushi-pedal/s?k=yowamushi+pedal&page=2