Let’s start our list with the pair that pushed Onoda to join the Bicycle club. Their relationship started when they both pedaled ahead during the first year welcome race, a race to welcome the newcomers and to determine who would be the leader of the first years. Since both characters are zealous when it comes to races, they became rivals on their own team, which only intensified when Imaizumi won the event. From that moment on, whether it’s outside the race or not, these two fierce characters would have their own competition.

Imaizumi and Naruko are characters that would seem to look different on the outside, but in reality, these two are very similar to each other. They often have the same goals or intentions in mind, but the way they approach them is different from each other, resulting in them bickering. Both are highly competitive and are very confident in their abilities. What makes Imaizumi and Naruko endearing to shippers is that their hostile rivalry takes a playful turn. They mostly shout at each other, but really, these two are very close. They even think the same way, say the same things, and finish the other’s sentences at times. To sum up what their relationship is in the eyes of a shipper, just imagine two tsunderes falling for each other, that’s what ImaNaru is!

T2 or “Team of Two” is a ship that has been getting a lot of attention in the yowapeda fandom. Teshima and Aoyagi are unfortunately average cyclists who had a hard time winning any race regardless of their all out efforts. Teshima has been plagued by the fact that they are only “ordinary” and have reached the limits of their abilities. He knew that Aoyagi too must have felt the same way as him, that even though they were no prodigy cyclists, they too can compete in the world of road racing with the "elites".

Determined to join their senpai in the next inter-high, both decided to become a two-man team, with Aoyagi being the “legs” to pedal for the finish line and Teshima being the “brain” who creates strategies to make Aoyagi win. Although Aoyagi has expressed to Teshima that he feels guilty taking the prize despite them working together, Teshima is fine with it as he is happy and satisfied that with their brilliant teamwork, they can finally win against the “elites”.

Teshima and Aoyagi are two halves of a whole, one cannot be complete without the other. Together, they become strong and emerge victoriously. The dynamic of this duo is amazing. Aoyagi believes in Teshima, while Teshima, trusts Aoyagi. Both are very supportive of one another, they care a lot about each other, and are always seen together. They synchronize extremely well to the point where no words are needed between them, especially on Teshima’s part as he can communicate with Aoyagi without a problem even though Aoyagi doesn’t utter a single word. Basically, these two are practically married already!

Onoda and Manami are literally the angels of their respective groups. They are both climbers who are unique within their team. Both are wild cards of each team as their style of racing is unpredictable because they only ride freely.

Onoda and Manami first met when Onoda was left on the roadside because of his car sickness. Manami saw a weakened Onoda and offered his water bottle to him. Manami immediately left after a short conversation, leaving his water bottle with Onoda. They do, however, meet again during Onoda’s training camp. Manami competes with Onoda with a simple race, which results in him being the winner. He and Onoda made a promise that they would meet during the Inter-high and that Onoda must return Manami’s water bottle by that time.

These two are simply adorable. Their friendly rivalry started because of their same love of climbing mountains, hills, and slopes. During their first race in the training camp, Onoda and Manami felt a special connection together as rivals. They knew at once that they were somehow the same. Heck, they even called each other’s first names again and again during the race with a wide smile on their faces. What is also great about this ship is that their connection gently mimics the relationship of Toudou and Makishima, their fellow climber senpais. From both being climbers, having promises, and becoming rivals, to “I want to ride with you” speeches, they are truly becoming more like their senpais. Be also reminded that Onoda and Manami haven't reached their full potential yet. Watching them grow up and grow strong together would definitely make any shipper thirsty for more of this pair.

Now we head on to Hakone’s ShinAra~ Shinkai met Arakita, when Arakita decided to join the bicycle club after he was defeated in a race by Fukutomi Juichi. Out of all the members of the club, Shinkai was the member who really went out of his way to talk to and interact with Arakita. After knowing the reason behind Arakita’s sudden entry into the club, Shinkai decided to call Arakita by his first name like he calls the first names of those who he considers close to him.

“Opposites attract”, that is basically what shippers see when they refer to ShinAra. Shinkai and Arakita have few interactions throughout the series, nonetheless, these short interactions are incredibly interesting. Shinkai’s personality, in general, is calm and mellow, which contrasts Arakita’s sharp and rough personality. Their personalities are the perfect balance of the two of them. Arakita is usually a lone wolf who is really not that vocal with his thoughts, however, since Shinkai is a sensitive person, he tends to immediately know what Arakita is thinking.

Shinkai also uses Arakita’s soft side to pull him into his silly requests or demands and in spite of the constant insults that are thrown towards Shinkai, Arakita means well. Arakita even helped, alongside his teammates, to help Shinkai practice “passing on the right side”. Essentially, when Arakita tends to get hot-headed, Shinkai calms him down. Same goes to Shinkai when he turns into his demon mode, Arakita is there to calm him down. It may seem like this couple is an odd one because of their differences, but hey, they do give off that special sweet spark in the hearts of the shippers.

Our 1st placer is none other than TouMaki! Toudou and Makishima have a really funny relationship. Their relationship began when Toudou and Makishima met during a competition. Due to their different personalities, they ended up insulting each other. As the two of them race to the finish line, Toudou is amazed at Makishima’s unusual style of ride. Toudou lost the race, but he became more determined to beat Makishima inside or outside of the race. Their competition came to a halt when both of their scores were tied. Both promised that they would settle the score once inter-high comes.

Toudou and Makishima draw the best of each other because of their competitive streak. They respect and appreciate each other’s ability and willfulness. They also consider one another as the best rivals and best friends. Some shippers cannot help but fall in love with this pair as the connection between these two is more than on the “bromance” level. They practically act like a silly couple. They call each other affectionately, with Toudou calling Makishima “Maki-chan” and Makishima calling Toudou “Jinpachi”. They know each other very well and believe it or not, Toudou can even sense if Makishima is near him.

Toudou always calls Makishima when he gets the chance to check on his well-being, and even though Makishima feels annoyed at this, he will still answer and sometimes even panics when Toudou doesn’t call. Even during the inter-high, both Toudou and Makishima became upset when they thought that they would never compete in the climb towards the peak of Mt. Hakone as Makishima needs to stay behind in his team. But thanks to Onoda, Makishima managed to catch up to Toudou and there, they raced to their fullest. TouMaki is a very intense ship not only because of their passionate rivalry, but because of the overflowing chemistry between them. They are indeed well-matched and that is why shippers love this ship!