Japanese Tour Down Under rider Eri Yonamine’s other passion is beer and so tried some of our brew

Japanese professional cyclist Eri Yonamine has a most unlikely hobby – beer. And so, we got her to try some of our brew to see what she thinks.

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Japanese professional cyclist Eri Yonamine has a most unlikely hobby – beer.

But The Advertiser understands even elite athletes need a moment to relax, so we lined up five great SA craft brews at city pub The Stag Public House and asked the popular Tour Down Under rider to pick a frothy winner.

The 27-year-old lives in the Dutch city of Maastricht and has developed an appreciation of Dutch and Belgian brews.

BEER–LOVER: Team Ale-Cipollini rider Eri Yonamine tests local craft beers at the Stag Public House. Picture: Dean Martin

Her Instagram account is filled with pictures of beers she’s tried in cities across Europe.

“The (Belgian trappist brewery) of Orval is the closest brewer to my town. It’s about 20km from my house. So when I have a recovery day I drive there, have one beer and drive back,” the Japanese national champion said.

“In the off-season and on holidays I like to visit brewers and find the special beers of each country – it’s my hobby.”

So what does Ms Yonamine think of some of SA’s favourite drops?

We lined up Stepney brewer Little Bang’s Happyland pale ale; Pirate Life’s mid-strength Throwback IPA and heavy Pale Ale; Pikes’ Sparkling Ale from the Clare Valley; and Mismatch Brewing Company’s Lager for her to try on Wednesday.

With the TDU starting on Thursday, she only permitted herself few sips of each beer.

“I’m not so much into hoppy beer so I like the lager. I like this Mismatch,” she said.

“But this IPA is a bit too strong for me.”

A second taste test revealed the winner and a broad smile.

“The Sparkling Ale – I love the Sparkling Ale,” Ms Yonamine said of the Clare-brewed coldie.

So it looks like Pikes might be first choice as a post-race celebration drink.