They arrived at Champaigne Lac at 10 a.m. Ichiro, who had been supporting Doi all night, heard that Doi's arrival would be delayed and then drifted off to sleep.

Obara had already passed this point, and Okumiya was next. He looked a little tired, but he left the aid station at his own pace.

When I heard that Doi was about to arrive, I headed to the trail just before the aid station hoping to get a better photo. However, Kaburagi was the next to arrive.

Doi should have been ahead of Kaburagi, but maybe he had an upset stomach...

We went further ahead and decided on a good spot to take photos, simulating the process as we waited for Doi for 30 minutes. From behind, an NHK cameraman said, "Doi has already passed by!" I replied, "Whaaaat? Seriously? (cries)." *My SIM card limit had been exceeded and I had no internet access, so I was unable to follow him. Due to various circumstances that day, I ended up staying in Champaix for about six hours without seeing Doi. I was so frustrated that I ended up drinking a bottle of beer at the concession stand, but let me just say this between you and me.

To be continued