Takuto Ashikiba, a former student of Hakone Academy, served as the ace of its Bicycle Racing Club in his second year. He possesses distinctive orange hair, dark blue eyes, a swirl in his bangs, and a heart-shaped birthmark on his cheek. Standing at 202 cm (approximately 6 feet 7.5 inches), he was the tallest student at Hakone Academy. This height, resulting from a 10 cm growth spurt since middle school that caused him to quit drinking milk, significantly influences his cycling style and presents challenges due to his high center of gravity, initially making body control difficult. His personality blends gentleness and emotional sensitivity with occasional airheadedness, such as mistaking Shunsuke Imaizumi for other Sohoku members or being easily deceived by teammate Yukinari Kuroda. Yet, he demonstrates optimism, mental resilience, and steadfastness, especially when motivated by a clear purpose. Eager to impress upperclassmen like Yuto Shinkai and Juichi Fukutomi, he becomes emotionally overwhelmed during races, shedding tears of joy at the Minegayama Hill Climb or experiencing deep dejection after losses, like missing his train stop by three stations following a defeat by Sakamichi Onoda. He holds strong principles, confronting Shinkai over littering and demanding he retrieve discarded trash, and supports teammates emotionally, helping Touichirou Izumida address sprinter regrets. His cycling technique centers on "Metronome Dancing," a side-to-side rocking motion synchronized to classical music like Beethoven's 9th Symphony playing in his head. This compensates for his high center of gravity and enhances stamina. His long limbs enable powerful crank turns and wind-cutting efficiency. Initially a climbing specialist, his exceptional reach and stride length also make him effective in sprint finishes. By his third year, he evolves into an all-rounder. His height allows him to act as a decoy; appearing to lead as the ace creates opportunities for Kuroda to slip past opponents. He demonstrates precise bike control, maneuvering opponents to the road's edge and adjusting pace to let teammates regroup. His racing achievements include second place in the 21st Annual Minegayama Hill Climb during his first year and participation in the 42nd Summer Inter High during his second year (exact placement unspecified). He races alongside Kuroda and Izumida, with promotional material highlighting their collaboration. Additional details include favorite foods: bananas, croissants topped with brown sugar, choco rolls, and watermelon. He plays the piano, though less frequently after losing touch with middle school friends, and prefers string instruments despite the piano's percussion classification. He dislikes carbonated water. Other traits include flexibility (bending forward 22 cm), living in Hakone's dorm, and poor phone habits—failing to charge it or saving messages as drafts instead of sending them. He shares a connection with Masakiyo Doubashi due to their similar physical statures.