The BEST episodes of Yowamushi Pedal season 1
Every episode of Yowamushi Pedal season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Yowamushi Pedal season 1!
Otaku Sakamichi Onoda has just entered high school and plans to join the anime club. In middle school, Onoda didn’t have any friends with whom he could talk about anime, games, Akihabara and other otaku things, and he is hoping he can make such friends in the anime club, but he finds out it's been disbanded. In order to reestablish the club he tries to find 4 other people who would like to join.
#1 - The Sohoku High School Bicycle Racing Team
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 11/5/2013
Onoda returns to High School where he runs into Naruko at his schools store. Naruko encourages Onoda to join the cycling club, which he plans to join the next day, but Onoda doesn't want to give up on his dreams of an anime club. After school Onoda observes the bicycle racing clubs practice and decides he wants to see how he compares to them in a competition. Onoda also meets another first year who decides to distribute any advice one might need, since he has three years of experience, in Terufumi Sugimoto. When he submits his application to the club, Onoda meets fellow first years in Kawada and Sakurai, but nothing could have prepared him for his first task- the Welcoming Race, which he'll have to do on his mommy bike against everyone's road racers.
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#2 - Sprint Climb!!
Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/26/2013
Onoda manages to catch up to Imaizumi and Naruko. Seeing Onoda ignites their fighting spirits. The three decide to test each others abilities as they race for the top of the mountain and see which of the three of them deserves to be the King of the Mountain from Sohoku's first years. Naruko eventually begins to drift as he doesn't do well in the mountains when the grade changes, but instead of letting Onoda slow down and stay with him, he chooses to give him his fighting spirit. Onoda moves on up and challenges Imaizumi for the title of King of the Mountain. As the third years watch on, they wonder what it is that keep Onoda going on, and the coach talks about how much extra fun Onoda must be having for the first time.
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#3 - Human Bullet Train!
Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired 12/17/2013
One day has passed since the special training took place. The freshman are all in classes when Imaizumi comes in and tells them he just learned from the second years that the Inter High Preliminaries started that morning. Onoda, Naruko, and Imaizumi rush an hour away to the prelim site and find that Sohoku is in 3rd place, 50 seconds behind two other teams, with only two laps remaining. Instead of panicking, Tadokoro tells the first years to keep a close eye out as Sohoku will take the race by a full minute. Sohoku unleashes their specialty human bullet train attack and goes into first place by a full minute with one lap remaining. As Naruko and Imaizumi try to figure out how they can defeat the 3rd years. Kinjo comes up and says they plan on releasing the first years at the main Inter High competition if they can endure a special training camp. The following day Hakone learns the results and swears to crush their rivals. However one member of the team, Manami, has chosen to skip the meeting and is found taking a ride through the mountains, wondering if his class rep is going to be angry when he shows up late.
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#4 - Reunion at Dawn
Season 1 - Episode 14 - Aired 1/14/2014
As Day 3 begins, Onoda gets up earlier than everyone else to begins his day of work hoping he can slowly pull himself back into the compettition. He has only completed 390km to date, and the task of completing another 610km in two days seems overbearing. Meanwhile Manami sneaks into the cycling training center Sohoku is at hoping to find the mysterious climber that Toudou told him of. However he has arrived earlier than anyone else, and Onoda is the only one out on the track. Onoda runs into Manami and tries to return his water bottle. Manami instead proposes a race between him and Onoda. The condition- if Manami wins, Onoda has to keep the water bottle. As their race comes to an exciting conclusion, Manami realizes that Onoda is under a special training regiment and says for Onoda to return his water bottle to him, but only when they see each other at the Inter-High. Onoda begins to wonder if he truly has any chance of finishing and determines to do his best until the end.
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#5 - I Can See the Sky
Season 1 - Episode 26 - Aired 4/8/2014
The sprinters come back to the pack after the first check point has been won, and Tadokoro and Naruko receive congratulations for their excellent performances. The rest of the Sohoku team is able to move to the front of the pack. As the teams approach the feed station, Minami senses through the wind that a wreck is about to take place. Onoda, trying to keep up with the rest of the team, isn't able to stop and gets caught in the wreck. When he comes to, Onoda wonders why he can see the sky. Onoda realizes his chain has to be put back on his bike. After getting it back on, Onoda is approached by race officials. He is in last place, and they want to know if he wants to retire from the race.
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#6 - 100 Man Barrier
Season 1 - Episode 28 - Aired 4/22/2014
After falling and landing in last place, Onoda must find a way to pass 100 men. Teshima lets Onoda know he thinks it's possible if Onoda will just focus, and the support team relaunches Onoda into action. The task proves to be difficult with the small mountain roads and the pack in front of him, but with a little help from his favorite anime song, Onoda finds his spirits lifted. Onoda counts each individual as he begins passing them. At the front of the race, Arakita swears that Onoda will never catch them before the end of the day due to the small road and the pack blocking the way. As Onoda reaches the final man to pass, he runs into Midosuji, who shows a secret he has kept from everyone that would allow him to win all legs of the race if he truly wanted to try. Eventually Onoda passes Midosuji and zooms up to meet his teammates. Onoda takes over as the head of his teams drifting pack while Makishima starts his breakaway with his spider climbing.
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#7 - Strongest and Fastest
Season 1 - Episode 36 - Aired 6/17/2014
Hayato and Midosuji continue to race for the Sprint Check point. Hayato realizes that Midosuji's leaning forward acts as a hindrance and thinks he will have the win. At the last second Midosuji throws all his weight to the bike of his bike, propelling the frame forward and giving him the sprint check point by .02 seconds. Sohoku manages to reach the feed zone in 3rd place, and Makishima revals that while their teammates might not catch up on the flats, the second stage ends with a climb up Mt. Fuji, where Onoda will surely excel. Further back Onoda and Tadokoro catch-up to Kumamoto Daiichi, the Higo Super Express. It's the start of the climb, and Onoda raises his pace. As they pass Kumamoto Daichi, Tadokoro reveals he has fully recovered thanks to Onoda drafting for him. Realizing he can't go any faster, Tadokoro propses to Onoda that they sing even though they don't need to pass anyone. After the two sing the opening song in unison, Onoda proposes they sing the closing song next. Tadokoro remembers when Coach Pierre taught them all that bicycles are actually meant for fun, and he realizes it isn't the song that gives Onoda his strength. Instead it is the joy of cycling. Finally in the final 30 kilometers they catch up with their teammates. With their arrival, the atmosphere completely changes for Sohoku. Kinjou gives one final order. Makishima and Onoda are to lead the team up Mount Fuji so they can compete for the days title. Further up the mountain Hakone appears to be falling apart, and Midosuji can't contain his laughter. Silently he declares it is time to finish Hakone once and for all.
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#8 - I Don't Have Any Friends
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/22/2013
The race between Onoda and Imaizumi continues. Imaizumi has passed Onoda, but thanks to a seat adjustment from Miki, Onoda has more power than ever before. With the additional power he manages to catch Imaizumi. The race comes to its exciting conclusion, but little does either individual realize Onoda's efforts have attracted the attention of the rest of the Sohoku Bicycle team.
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#9 - Snake of the Stone Path
Season 1 - Episode 21 - Aired 3/4/2014
The first years learn about the previous years Inter-High and the rivalry between Kinjou and Fukutomi that has formed. Kinjou recounts how a crash took place last year, and Fukutomi arrives to beg for forgiveness. However he also vows that Sohoku will have no chance of dethroning the kings that are Hakone.
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#10 - The Soul of Sohoku
Season 1 - Episode 38 - Aired 7/1/2014
With 6 kilometers to go Fukutomi accelerates and catches up to the front pack. Midosuji tries to calm his team and point out that it is all within the parameters he expected, but Fukutomi declares it won't be a two-team race. As Midosuji looks behind him, Sohoku rises up from the ashes and catches up. Realizing their goal has been met, Onoda begins to lose speed and nearly falls over twice. Fukutomi tries to convience Kinjou that his team is too exhausted to compete, but Imaizumi and Naruko help an exhausted Onoda as they manage to keep up. Onoda starts pedaling on his own, and Tadokoro and Naruko help the team draft up the mountain to keep pace with Hakone. As Sohoku and Hakone begin to pull away, Midosuji decides to try one last final move, phase 49. As the downhill battle begins the aces and their launching pads move to the front. Only 4km remain in Day 2, and it is anyone's race to win.
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#11 - The Inter-High Begins
Season 1 - Episode 22 - Aired 3/11/2014
The team arrives at Enoshima for the start of the race. Kinjou explains what each persons number means and how they will start with a parade of everyone involved. Interviews are held with many of Hakone's members as they are heavy favorites to repeat. However Midousuji also gets the mic and promises that he will win it all and embarrass all the other gross teams around. Onoda is tense at first, but after falling once he becomes more comfortable. Meanwhile Imaizumi plots how he will get revenge on Midosuji during this race.
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#12 - Top Sprinter!!
Season 1 - Episode 23 - Aired 3/18/2014
The episode begins with a flashback as Onoda tries to explain to his mother that he is a member of the bicycle racing club, but she gets confused and thinks he is referring to a new anime. Back to the present, and the race begins with the parade of everyone. Once they get out of the city, the sprinters get to shine. At first Tadokoro and Naruko stay back, but it's all part of psychological warfare. As the two pass everyone and move to the front it looks like it will be between them to determine who is the top sprinter. Just as they are getting comfortable though, another sprinter emerges from behind and passes everyone all the way to the front. Izumida has arrived, and the action has only begun.
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#13 - Trembling Izumida
Season 1 - Episode 24 - Aired 3/25/2014
Izumida refuses to zip up his jersey, saying there's not enough competition for him to do so. He begins to criticize Naruko and Makishima for not working together and having one shield for the other. However Naruko and Tadokoro have been holding back. Naruko unveils his time trial Rocket man Sprint. As Naruko begins to catch up to Izumida, Tadokoro gets mad and sucks up a giant amount of oxygen. The additional oxygen in his lungs allows him to accelerate and catch up. Izumida's abs start throbbing, and he zips up his jersey realizing he's in for a true race.
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#14 - Loss
Season 1 - Episode 25 - Aired 4/1/2014
Izumida, Tadokoro, and Naruko have revealed all their techniques. Now there's only 700m left to the first check point. All 3 go all out and continue to increase their speed. However the wind becomes stronger than ever before and starts pushing over some of the cones. In the end it will be the wind, cones, and experience that decides who takes the first check point, and the result will leave most of the pack shocked.
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#15 - Toudou, God of the Mountains
Season 1 - Episode 27 - Aired 4/15/2014
Toudou, the ace climber from Hakone, reveals he and Makishima have a race history of having participated in 14 races, being tied at 7 each. In reality they participated in 15 races together, but they don't count one race as Makishima's chain broke during the race when it was down to the two of them. The Inter-High is supposed to be the all-out tiebreaker for the two of them. Toudou does a little urging, but Makishima refuses to give into his prodding. Eventually Arakita tells Toudou to go on because it is apparent Sohoku only has one climber. After cursing the rest of the Sohoku team for not being prepared for this stage, Toudou moves on and begins passing others as he moves toward the fronts. However Makishima doesn't look depressed. Instead he looks motivated and tells Arakita that in 3 minutes time, everthing will change.
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#16 - The Summit
Season 1 - Episode 29 - Aired 4/29/2014
Toudou has claimed an easy lead, but his spirit is drifting as he feels he will win the king of the mountain part of the race too easily. As he closes in on the top of the mountain, Makishima comes up into second place, having made up a 3 minute difference. The two race for the Summit to break their tie and claim the title of King of the Mountain. As the winner of the mountain is revealed, the aces begin their moves to the front to claim the Leg 1 winners spot.
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#17 - Arakita and Imaizumi
Season 1 - Episode 30 - Aired 5/6/2014
Arakita and Imaizumi help pull Kinjou and Fukutomi toward the finish line hoping to help their team gain the advantage. The history of how Arakita became a racing demon is revealed, and Imaizumi realizes what it is he needs to do to help his team succeed. As the four racers get 500 yards from the finish, Sohoku and Hakone find themselves in a dead heat.
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#18 - The Strong Three
Season 1 - Episode 31 - Aired 5/13/2014
The battle of the aces has begun as Kinjou and Fukutomi try to claim day 1. Everyone is shocked when Midousuji catches up to them from the pack. Imaizumi tries to keep Midousuji from passing him, but it's too little, too late. Midousuji reveals his dream of how he will pass everyone with 50 yards to go. When 50 yards arrives though, a 3-way tie is in place. The 3 race for the finish line. After everyone else arrives, the Leg 1 Awards ceremony is held.
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#19 - Night of Hope
Season 1 - Episode 32 - Aired 5/20/2014
Tadokoro has fallen ill and is unable to keep any food down. Meanwhile Imaizumi doubts his reasons for racing after letting Midosuji pass him in Leg 1 of the race. While the members of the Sohoku racing team try to overcome their ailments during this night of hope, Onoda receives a surprise visit from his mom. The next day begins as Tadokoro explains how Leg 2's racing order starts. Onoda remembers the assignment that Kinjou gave him the night before. As it comes time for Sohoku and Hakone to leave, Makishima realizes that Tadokoro hasn't left the start line.
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#20 - You Are the Princess
Season 1 - Episode 33 - Aired 5/27/2014
Tadokoro claims he is giving everyone a handicap so they can race him, but as he leaves he is unable to climb at full strength. Makishima tells Onoda and Naruko that they must leave him behind, and when they keep pestering him he finally reveals that Tadokoro has fallen ill. Instead of listening to Makishima, Onoda reminds Makishima of the orders he has been given. Onoda remains behind while Naruko and Makishima keep moving on. Tadokoro finally catches up to Onoda, and Onoda convinces him to help him on the chorus of the Love Hime opening song, Love Princess Pancake. By singing the chorus/refrain continually they slowly begin to catch up and end up with the pack. Meanwhile Hakone Academy's entire team has caught up to their ace, and Kyoto Fushimi has pullen away from the pack to join Midosuji. Midosuji tells Imaizumi that all the players are here as he claims Sohoku has made a fatal judging error in not saving anyone for Day 2.
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#21 - Shinkai Hayato
Season 1 - Episode 34 - Aired 6/3/2014
After catching up to Sohoku, Midosuji reveals he never considered Sohoku to be a real threat and that he isn't interested in challenging Imaizumi. Imaizumi's confidece suffers a further blow when Midosuji has his teammates accelearate. They manage to catch up to Hakone Academy in two minutes time. 5 kilometers from the sprint marker Midosuji challenges Hakone to a sprint race. Izumida accepts the challenge, but Shinkai Hayato stops him and instead decides to challenge Midosuji. Izumida reveals the numbers at Hakone are strategically placed: 1 is the ace, 2 is the ace's assistant, 3 is the ace climber, and 4 is the ace sprinter. Hayato and Midosuji accelerate, with Hayato saying he isn't doing the sprint for pride. Midosuji begins to panic when he realizes that Hayato is leading him without putting in any real effort. Midosuji is forced to go all out to manage to catch Hayato. In a flashback we see how Hayato almost quit cycling after hitting a mother rabbit. Juichi talks with the senior class to help them understand why Hayato wants to quit the team. In the end though Juichi promises that if Hayato comes back this following year, he will wear tag #4. As we return to the race, Midosuji cries in despair as Hayato continues to get further and further away.
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#22 - The Winner
Season 1 - Episode 35 - Aired 6/10/2014
Naruko and Makishima have caught Kinjou and Imaizumi. However Imaizumi refuses to draft. When other teams begin catching up from the pack, they tell Sohoku's members that Onoda and Tadokoro are making their way through the pack. This news feels Sohoku with hope, and Kinjou takes the lead to prevent anyone else from passing them while they catchup to Hakone and Kyoto Fushimi. Meanwhile Midosuji reveals he has been playing around with Hayato and catches up easily. Eventually Midosuji passes Hayato and says he will only let him pass on the left. We learn that Hayato has been afraid to pass on the left ever since he killed the rabbit, but thanks to special training with his teammates, he has overcome that obstacle by gaining the ability to transform into the Demon of Hakone. Hayato passes Midosuji and is pulling away with only 500 meters to go to the Sprint check. Seeing no other choice, Midosuji removes some tape on his legs that has been constraining his speed. Midosuji manages to get side-by-side with less than 200 meters remaining. Now it is anyone's sprint to win.
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#23 - Passing the Crown
Season 1 - Episode 37 - Aired 6/24/2014
Hakone's sprinters continue to fall further behind and people wonder if Hakone is falling apart. Midosuji senses weakness within Hakone and announces his team will skip phases 11 and 12 of their Day 2 plan on go straight to phase 13 as they accelerate to the finish line. Phase 13 abandons the sprinters who can't accelerate up the mountain, which results in Ihara and Yamaguchi being left behind by Kyoto Fushimi. Fukutomi decides to pursue them for Hakone with Toudou. Ihara and Yamaguchi collapse and then withdraw from the race. Izumida begins thinking either him, Hayato, or Arakita will be next as they are all hanging their heads down. Up at the front Midosuji declares Fukutomi is exactly like him. Midosuji easily takes the mountain check point thanks to the 4-on-2 advantage, and Midosuji declares this is the moment the crown passes from Hakone. Ishigaki begins to think about the team he wanted to form and how Midosuji destroyed his vision, causing him to slow down until Midosuji threatens to leave him behind. When Ishigaki admits he was reminiscing, Midosuji declares it is only by abandoning everything that victory can arise for him and the team. Eventually Ichigaki confronts Fukutomi on why he abandoned his teammates, and Fukutomi declares he didn't abandon them. With 8 kilometers left, Ishigaki realizes someone is catching them from behind. Fukutomi declares that their team has no dead weight and that his teammates will come.
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#24 - Manami Sangaku
Season 1 - Episode 20 - Aired 2/25/2014
With Sohoku's team set, we shift over to Hakone to view their training. Individual elimination races have been held by Hakone, and five team spots have been filled. They are down to their final spot with a duel between two climbers. Manami is about to take center stage and unveil a secret weapon he has that most others don't, the ability to sense the wind. Even with this advantage, will Manami be able to claim the final spot from second year member Kuroda? In Chiba Tadokoro has the first years join him at Makishima's house where they watch the Hakone Road Relay. He tells the first years to pay close attention to the ground as it's the same course the Inter-High will be taking place on.
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#25 - A New Start
Season 1 - Episode 19 - Aired 2/18/2014
Sohoku returns to school from their training camp ready to spend a Saturday full of makeup lessons. Onoda realizes he has grown and tests his abilities by leaving a bit later, along with a little help from his anime watching habits. Onoda thinks back to the previous night when the captain tried to tell him about the upcoming Inter-High, but when the Captain gets cut off and pulled into another call Onoda begins to give up on his dream of going to the Inter-High. It isn't into their last makeup class, which is done by Mr. Pierre, that Onoda learns the full message the captain was trying to tell him. Onoda is given his team jersey and made the sixth member for the upcoming Inter-High. Afterwards Sohoku's team is given special training by the captain that will test all their abilities. Onoda worries he will slow everyone down and begins to drift away. With a little help from the Captain though, Onoda learns what it means to be part of a team and begins to succeed more than he thought was ever possible.
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