The Keirin is among Japan’s most well-liked paced track cycling events. The cyclists start behind the pace bike (derny), gaining speed. The pace bike exits the track—normally with 600–700 meters remaining—and the bikers go all-out in a final dash to the finish line.
It requires strategic placement during the timed phase and burst power once the sprint is under way. It is included on the Olympic track cycling calendar and one of Japan’s biggest wagering sports, where riders seriously train to master keirin’s combination of strategy, pace, and drama.
