Cycling’s Billion Dollar Races - The Fascinating World Of Japanese Keirin

[@gcn]

Did you know Keirin was so huge in Japan?! Let us know what you think of the sport.

[@BlueDiamondStar]

I first learned about this sport in the last summer Olympics. I thought it was trek all the way but then they said keirin and I was immediately on Google looking up. Now I'm just stunned. I had no idea it's so strict in Japan. It simply amazes me. It's rather fascinating. Thanks for the video

[@AccFinEco]

Heard about it several years ago when l vistied a friend in Japan. I have been hooked since!!

[@godwindracing6056]

Get Emma to do the women's race

[@madmonkeycycling9098]

yes, you should have taken a look at their training regimen, it's pretty brutal :)

[@stevenqirkle]

I had no idea... and I live here! Awesome video!

[@avq5]

Was hoping to see at least one lap of them actually racing rather than clips of them hanging around the track and walking their bikes around.

[@ZNotFound]

He probably wasn't allowed to show a full race for whatever reason.

[@markconnelly1806]

You might like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6ndlmNuqaiieaM

[@Greippi10]

The "montage" at the end was so disappointing. They build up for some exciting moments! Here we go! They're Off--- and yeah here they are walking their bikes back inside goodbye plzsubscribe. I wish they'd at least say the reason if they weren't allowed to show it instead of that stupid bait.

[@TwoDogsFighting]

@@Greippi10 I think a montage has to be more than 5 seconds long.

[@tams805]

@@markconnelly1806 Notice how that's a recording of a TV? If that video becomes popular, I'm willing to bet that it gets copyright striked.

[@TrocaderoPenguin]

Showing the bikes more closly and a complete 2minutes race would have complete this interesting episode

[@markgrenier6787]

It was just fine...

[@yellowlightingbolt]

Agreed, wanted to see a race too but that is what KZbin is for I guess.

[@tom4626]

@@markgrenier6787 yer it was fine ..... I'm sure what GCN wanted.

[@KandiKlover]

Also lot of keirin does use a motorbike still. It was only different at this specific velodrome he was in.

[@godwindracing6056]

They can now be watched live on YT

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

Top class currency conversion.

[@channul4887]

quick maffs

[@corey725]

no smartphone to google it lololol

[@ostrovangrinder]

Nice video, but I am missing some interesting facts. You can race, if you have a permit, and to have that you have to go through Keirin academy. One of the exams is to unfold and re build your bike in exact oder on time. It is sport for Japanese cyclists, and about 6 invited individuals from around the globe. As you mentioned, people bet on the cyclists. You have to anounce your tactics in advance and stick to it (example Senko - long sprint, Oikomi - short sprint). Winner have to give small present to other cyclist in the race (bottle of energy drink...). Looking for next epizode :)

[@Alex-vq9vj]

This is fascinating info, thanks Petr! 👍🏻

[@TheSteinbitt]

@John More fascist than the Axis powers. Oh wait...

[@ZeroSeriesMMX]

Ahh crap, arubatsuru (albatross) -- like what happens in Japanese golf, when you score a hole-in-one, IIRC.

[@baranybumm]

Gajins can go to this Keirin Academy?

[@Andrew-rs6cb]

baranybumm in theory but foreign athletes usually do a two-month course and then appear in special races (and they almost always thrash the Japanese racers)

[@manueldeubler1127]

One of the best videos on keirin racing in Japan on KZbin. The bikes are jaw dropping and the heritage of the sport is completly different from what we see in the western world.

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

This was classic tv documentary standard coverage in terms of production, content and presentation. Truly impressive. Thanks Jon.

[@gcn]

Not quite sure how to respond to such a genuinely nice comment. Are you feeling ok Michael?

[@JonCannings]

Cheers

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

@@gcn Don't get me wrong, it's no excuse for wearing two watches like a nutcase.

[@willeigo8468]

Global Cycling Network i just chimed in above in the same manner before seeing McDermott comment. Frankly, Emma is excellent, Oscar is talented but you ( and I must presume your travel production team ) furnished a cracking cracking piece.

[@FazioliJapan]

Umm, perhaps it was a Japanese production team this time?

[@brucebrucestofiston5554]

I still miss the old boys banter but the content your putting out lately is large budget tv show quality.

[@gcn]

Thanks Simon! Glad you're enjoying it. We certainly have a lot of fun making it!

[@HAKUTAI5]

Once a month, you can ride your bike on the velodrome when bicycle association opens the track for everyone. The pavement is quite smooth and the speed you carry is higher than outside road. Of cause the scenery is boring, but you can concentrate on riding, So, It is fun to ride a bike there and I think you will feel like keeping riding as long as you can.

[@UenoLocker54]

That's awesome.

[@HAKUTAI5]

@@UenoLocker54 it is like this ->　kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4GTXpyPi8xpaZo You can experience keirin racing with your friends and others. Both free and fixed gear are allowed. And if you want, you can do 500 m and/or 1km time trial. Anyway I want to see GCN members race keirin. it would be fun to watch

[@HAKUTAI5]

@John Thank you for your nice comment, you save people from painful misconception.

[@tams805]

@John No need for the snark. They're clearly Japanese and aren't fluent in English. I think we might just be able to give them a break, don'tcha think?

[@KandiKlover]

Nice. I will ride my touring bike around it hehehehe

[@mattchung1]

NJS.. the holy grail of fixed gear bikes. Please show more of the bikes they are absolutely beautiful.

[@kevinvermeer9011]

I thought they looked rather uninspiring. Nothing aerodynamic or shapely, super shallow rims, old-fashioned gumwall tires...looks like something you'd find abandoned in the back of someone's shed. It hurts a bit knowing they could have made everyone a good deal faster if they just updated the spec once or twice in the last several decades.

[@mattchung1]

@@kevinvermeer9011 everyone has their own preferences. It's like comparing a classic sports car to a modern one. Sure you are going faster in the new car but you would be having just as much fun driving the classic. Besides, NJS is a standard to ensure fair racing so riders don't get unfair advantage in equipment. NJS also happens to have very strict quality standards which is why it is converted for fixed gear bikes.

[@ChillOutDood]

Matt C correct, agreed.

[@connieback7577]

I wanted more info about the bike. I guess I can look it up. :(

[@milchkopf3881]

@@kevinvermeer9011 i'd really like to be polite. but please kevin... just go home. those bikes are beautiful exactly how they are and there are reasons for that. but i don't care enough to explain them to you.

[@richardhaselwood9478]

Thanks guys, this was genuinely interesting. Super interesting different racing culture.

[@JonCannings]

Glad you liked it

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed it Richard! We found it fascinating too.

[@richardhaselwood9478]

@@JonCannings Probably the most interesting thing is the parallel's with horse racing....

[@DSP_Visuals]

One of the managers at my company has a brother who does Keirin racing. She described him a "human horse that people bet on".

[@lordalfa600]

At least he doesn't become horse meat at the end of the career. Sadly most race horses end up that way.

[@qtheplatypus]

Ive watched that anime :)

[@joshuarosen6242]

@@lordalfa600 That doesn't sound any worse than most other ways of meat farming to me.

[@tams805]

I do get the feeling that's how they are treated. I think it's the lack of fans that do it, so they end up objectified. However, he probably earns more than her and has more free time to not be an object.

[@godwindracing6056]

​@@tams805sounds like women's keirin in its early years (the 2010s) when the JKA tried to market them like idols

[@rmatsumotoo]

@GCN love this video! so glad you guys featured Japanese Keirin! Good to see my home country featured in GCN video :) FYI, all Keirin bikes are made of steel for safety reason (steels bend, carbon/aluminum shatter and possible it could injure athletes with shattered pieces) since crash and bail is really common because of head/shoulder/elbow bumping (also to help frame builder businesses as well)

[@joturner3259]

It's true. So many people in the US are still riding old made in Japan Fuji or Miyata steel bikes. I doubt many of the carbon bikes on the road today will still be around in 30 years. The thing I really like though is that the keirin bikes are still made by Japanese builders. If other countries had made similar rules for their races, maybe people in europe & the US would still be building bikes too instead of just having everything made in for them in Taiwan & China.

[@kurtandrews6888]

I have been there and watched some races (without betting) and I found it interesting because they do not want anyone to be consistently the be the fastest and there is no age limit. As long as you are competitive in your given category (and there many) you can race well into your fifty's. Some of the lower categories (with higher ages) the speeds are very modest. The highest category is where you will see foreigners come in for a special event series (by invitation only).

[@Le_Petomane]

Thats pretty interesting and indicative or Japanese culture all at once, thanks.

[@Freakysantana]

GCN, basically explaining that the pound is down.....alot.

[@DRANVR4]

lol

[@daltonbedore8396]

or the Yen is up🤔

[@sudduthjonathan]

Which is why I’ve recently purchased most of my bike build from Sigma Sports!

[@psychoaiko666]

@@daltonbedore8396 I think you've forgotten about brexit than. The pound is down and it won't be getting up anytime soon.

[@stephengowins1573]

No a thousand yen is $10 usa so. 10,000 yen is $100. The a trillion is like 900 mil. Close to a billion

[@boyinthemumble]

Great informative video! There was a lot I didn't know even though I live here in Japan. I do see the Keirin racers out on the road on occasion on their piste bikes with the obligatory front brake attached, but have never actually been to see the races. One thing I was disappointed though was the choice of BGM especially at the beginning. Yes, the kind of music used there helps to make the feel the viewer lie they are in exotic Asia, but Hollywood has been doing that for years and I think I'm not the only who's tired of it. The type of music is how the West sees us and not what we actually listen to. I don't know what would be the right type of music, but I think you could try a little harder than going to the most obvious choice. Sorry for the rant. I'm really a fan of GCN and love what you guys do. I hope you can take this as constructive criticism. Thanks.

[@maxxfurygts]

Agreed on the music. It was a fantastic video but the first thing I noticed was the music choice.

[@OnkelDoerte]

Greetings from Germany. We know your struggle :D

[@dfpguitar]

should have played babymetal 🤘 But the choice of generic koto music might be to do with copyright. If they use a modern song "universal music group" kills the KZbin video.

[@boyinthemumble]

@@dfpguitar maybe so, but it still doesn't change how I felt. I don't think they meant any harm. They just didn't think give it much thought. Babymetal would definitely be great, but they can't use that, I'm sure there are other possibilities besides the generic koto music.

[@ryanclark2266]

Really the music? You do realize anime, exaggerates stereotypes, yet is extremely popular. Create content, let's stop criticizing creators whom are not preaching hate.

[@dumbbellenjoyer]

Those guys living together must not have a Keirin the world.

[@gcn]

Hahaha

[@killroy123]

Boo. You're Keirin me.

[@LawrenceSeetoh]

This pun has to be NJS approved

[@peterdowney6085]

good one

[@内田ガネーシュ]

GAY!

[@jlebad2308]

I love their bikes, classy threaded stems and lovely Japanese steel tubing

[@carythompson1147]

James Le Bas absolutely one of Keirin's main attractions!

[@gcn]

Gorgeous, aren't they?

[@jlebad2308]

@@gcn Love the channel, I own a Fuji feather fixed gear myself and would love to see more fixed gear related videos👍

[@edwardlunn6975]

Will we get to see more of the racing? I own two road bikes a 91' Miyata 914 upgraded with STI shifters, and a stock bar the tires and tubes 85' Panasonic DX5000, also a 79' Miyata 1000LE touring bike. All made in Japan, exceptional build quality. Miyatas Splined Triple Butted tubing, stiffest steel tubing I have ever ridden! Fantastic stuff!

[@MyDemon32]

@@edwardlunn6975 Hey i have a Panasonic too DX2500 from '87 to be exact.

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

Jon was so excited to get to the Keirin, he just stormed out a blood pressure test.

[@willeigo8468]

And Jon almost bumped his head on the low ceiling. I went to cycle in Fukuoka last month. Now that I have been cycling in Japan: I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese , I really think so.”

[@Le_Petomane]

The fuck are you gammons talking about?

[@Voyajer.]

@@Le_Petomane kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4i6qIBorNyArdk

[@cra_55]

Dang those old-school steel track bikes are gorgeous

[@backyardmachinist]

This has been my favorite video from GCN in a good while. Well done, Jon. Please make more videos like this!

[@Altimis]

Thank you GCN, this probably the best of Japanese Keirin explains video ever. Very details.

[@neil2wheels876]

Love the cultural idiosyncrasies. I had no idea about this discipline. Fascinating

[@smallerfreeze]

Look into Asians if you had no idea about this... They truly are the most respectful race of people, incredibly hard working, honest and smart. Ive never met a dirty or disrespectful Asian

[@Loremipsum555]

John probably the worst way you could disprove a point ever. Try again

[@lux-3001]

@John The mathematical error in assuming the personality of 4 billion people based on people you have met is just the same as assuming the criminality of them based on bad news you hear.

[@Bayo106]

@John yes, that idiot did. Lol people and their sweeping statements

[@RevOwOlutionary]

Those bikes are absolutely stunning. I can't even imagine how skilled the builders must be considering they've had such a long time to perfect their craft on the same frame designs rather than constantly having to move onwards to the next innovation.

[@coreygolphenee9633]

A Bridgestone NJS is high on my list

[@mxkstfmk]

I wish we could have seen more of the racing! Like an entire race with commentary.

[@markconnelly1806]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6ndlmNuqaiieaM

[@fd710jp]

Thank you for sharing the Japanese Keirin!! I am Japanese, so I know quite Keirin Track race. The Keirin is one of the best popular sport in Japan, although most Japanese don't know the Road Race. Hopefully, I look forward to creating GCN Japanese channel (like Espanol) !!

[@Dinief]

more track bike /fixed gear video 😁

[@TheM4Dr1Zz]

shut up weeb

[@brianmessemer2973]

Why would you try to silence and insult someone in a comment section? That's just silly. Enjoy the videos and be a happy person. @@TheM4Dr1Zz

Yes please! I really enjoy fixed gear stuff

[@marktatarinoff7372]

Agreed, more track content required.

[@steppings5645]

Best content as usual JC. Really fascinating and traditional sport.

[@tekspec]

I LOVED this video!! Thanks for covering Japanese cycling!!

[@gcn]

Cheers Tee!

[@gehteuchnixan7258]

Keirin is action packed and the result is settled within 5 minutes. I like watching it every now and then.

[@BikeItUK]

Great report, interesting about the NJS stamp of approval and how Campagnolo has only once managed to get a group set approved. Good to see the steel still being raced and what a sea of racing kit colours. Japan one of the best places I've visited, well worth a visit. Thanks again for another great video. Andy

[@linot111]

Watching this again, and remembering that already the first time around I was amazed by the colour scheme of that stadium! Wes Anderson..

[@murraymorrison7688]

Never seen so much durace cranks and hubs in my life

[@bjkactivities]

Theo Bos even went to Japan for several years to compete in the Japanese Keirin. He said that is was a big part in his overall succes.

[@vomitslime]

Quality video. I could tell you were genuinely interested in Keirin.

[@zxvk]

I loved their colour co-ordinated kit! Thanks for such enthusiastic presentation bringing interest to the video.

[@jacobjingleheimer]

fantastic documentary vid! long overdue for gcn.

[@JamesDavis-ek5sq]

For a look at the American take on Keirin racing, please consider coming to Dick Lane Velodrome in Atlanta for the annual Keirin event. Usually in May so already gone this year, but it's a rather different version with lots of fans, cheering and unique Southern US flavor. My personal favorite cycling event to watch in person, ever!

[@AnthonyRochester]

Jon's best video to date. Really interesting.

[@gcn]

More where this came from, cheers!

[@dougwedel9484]

I never heard about this kind of racing before today. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@danl2294]

Didn't think this video would be something i would have liked. But i really enjoyed watching it and it was truely fascinating. Good job gcn

[@gcn]

Glad to hear it dan!

[@Brian-Gibbs]

I never raced in Japan, but I loved racing keirins. Back in my day, we were still physical. Nowadays, it's so mild. Thanks for the tour.

[@michaellee1663]

An amazing incite into such a different culture. Michael Palin would be proud of this Jon.

[@burmesebeef]

those simple steel bikes are BEAUTIFUL! museum worthy

[@ryansugimoto3851]

I hope you had time to visit one of the NJS frame builder's shops. Would be awesome to see one braised and hammered together in person.

[@nickjones252]

Fascinating stuff. Been to Japan twice, on tour playing gigs but never got a chance to see Keirin racing in the flesh. I hope to see it one day...

[@AccFinEco]

Great vid, love Japan's Keirin racing! ❤

[@gcn]

It's so cool, huh?

[@nikkipedro]

Another reason to love the Japanese culture and the country in general. Fabulous place with beautiful people.

[@leedorney]

That was great - getting to know about Keirin racing...!

[@virgilfulton4426]

This was my favorite GCN story of 2018. A fascinating look into the world of Keirin racing.

[@alexgalea173]

they look like horse racers

[@willeigo8468]

Or greyhounds with the pace rider ( akin to the rabbit which runs in the dog race ).

[@alexgalea173]

@@willeigo8468 haha true

[@chawanatn]

The part of the tales I learned is that Keirin is actually designed to be "a horse race" when the economy is struggling and real horses are difficult to come by. Not sure if I heard the Japanese old man correctly, but this sounds likely.

[@FreekaPista]

Chawanat Nakasan - I’ve also heard that the Japanese government funded the construction of a lot of the velodromes as work projects to help the economy, but in order to make the project worthwhile, they needed to create a larger source of income than what the European velodromes make. So the “sport” of Kierin was created to bring in consistent gambling money.

[@wolframazer]

I actually like human race than animal race because I love human cruelty

[@ozamatazbuckshank7467]

So instead of being keirin world champ, a rider can simply go to Japan and earn 2 mil annually doing keirin everyday? Sounds like a win to me

[@mattspare8835]

Two more things to add: The colour of that stripe on their shorts indicates level of experience. I also remember reading that they have to announce what strategy they will be using during the race, not sticking to it later is considered taboo. Weird, but think it had to do with the gambling aspect of it.

[@gcn]

Crikey. It's a far cry from what we know as pro cycling!

[@casparvoncampenhausen5249]

I have a question: Do they have brakes??? Because I didn't see any

[@BradleyTemperley]

I went to Keiokaku Velodrome in Tokyo a few years ago. It was the first day of racing on a weekday morning and the audience was much as you showed. It was a little bit sad, actually. A couple of aspects that you didn’t show, which amount to no one hangs about: 1. There is no one on the velodrome until about 4 minutes before each race. A lap then a start on the dot. 2. After the race everyone returns to the sheds. 3. The winner rides directly across the track for an interview. 4. The winner gives a souvenir to a spectator, and then rides back to the sheds. 5. The track is empty until it is time for the officials and riders of the next race to return. The rituals surrounding the racing were fascinating. The long periods of silence and inactivity between races was unexpected. I had no luck at all with the betting. If only I’d studied the form.

[@Alex-vq9vj]

Thanks for describing what an actual visit for a spectator looks like! It's pretty fascinating. I like that very Japanese aspect of traditions uphelp: remember it well from my sumo appreciation years

[@markconnelly1806]

you have to place your bet just like horse racing, so you don't watch the race at the seats until after bets placed. You can see race on TV monitor. and can bet on other races taking place at other tracks, so more about betting than watching the race.

[@bhumiriady]

Fantastic video as always! This is so fascinating and awesome! As someone who is fascinated in Japan, Keirin truly amazes me! This video made me know more about the Keirin.

[@alriealmonicar4601]

Thanks GCN, my subscription is really worthy, i am a Filino and i am also a cycling enthusiast, your videos are very informative and helpful, it made me more interested about cycling. Thank you so much, i hope one of your staff could visit the Philippines particularly in Cebu.

[@willeigo8468]

Sir, you are the NEW Matt Stephens of GCN. The others are good, but you are professional reporter.

[@peterroberts3748]

Except : 1. What was the hand waving about 'ju jitzu'? Very unnecessary, irritating and unprofessional - keep hands still or in pockets! 2. Vocally untrained takes much too long to get to and make a point. . . . . . 3. Why does the lens focus unnecessarily and lengthily on the speaker - we can hear what he says. The camera should be used more fruitfully . . . . as has been pointed out several times. 4. 'Without' cycling footage, why was this video not made in Europe? Conclusion - 'Very amateurish production. IMHO.

[@jawzdu5549]

Peter Roberts I find that the hand movement was better than staying still or having hands in pocket. This channel in general has a more natural flow rather than stiff movements of staying still and hands in pockets

[@KellyPettit]

It's not "KAREN".... It's Keirin... (kay-rin). Sorry, but after 20 years of living and cycling here I just had to say. That said, so glad you introduced this. Next is to show the amazing roads that Japan has to offer. Happy to take you on a ride. Check out Gunma Prefecture and the mountains.

[@sandydennylives1392]

It's always a treat to see some steel. I'm off to tesco's on one of my steels to celebrate. The heavy one I think. Not a scrap of cf on it at all. Let's get the Beersin for the Keirin; good honest steelist's.

[@iwritechecksatthegrocerystore]

sandydenny lives agree! Bout a year ago I decided to try aluminum just... because I make lots of poor decisions in my life and (I guess) I thought: “hey I haven’t extended my line of thinking towards bikes yet” ... Miss my steel baby. Going to eventually get back, when I can find an excuse to justify the frame/fork purchase.

[@yveslemaitre4048]

I went to the same place and had the exact same reaction... so different from what I expected...thanks for bringing back the memories and explaining some of what is happening inside

[@hanswurst7727]

thank you gcn. super interesting, a joy to watch.

[@carythompson1147]

the Japanese Keirin races are as iconic to me as Flanders, Roubaix, or Lombardia. this video was a great watch

[@chawanatn]

"What Keirin is all about?" Gambling!

[@beeble2003]

Really fantastic video. I knew so little about keirin that I didn't even know there was a whole lot to know. And now I want to go to Japan again...

[@shydncrumph8119]

2 watches? playing it safe, eh? great program, though!

[@SgtMacska]

Possibly to track two time zones?

[@louistri3]

@daAnder71 it does though, at 14:17 it shows 13.16

[@ChanceBarber]

Great. No idea about any of this.... Fun to see how much Jon enjoyed it. Great insight & access.

[@parkysouthlondon]

I think the outdoor track at Herne Hill that is a similar size (450m) in SE London has an all weather surface on it these days as riders were riding there in the rain when I visited the other day.

[@AlphaSkewber]

It does I regularly ride there the only thing that prevents riding is when it is icy

[@AlphaSkewber]

But there aren’t races when it’s wet only training

[@kblack3970]

Living in Japan, I would often times see these guys training by attaching a weighted tire to a rope and dragging it for however long! Great video GCN.

[@alienrefugee51]

Nice informative video, but I would've liked to have seen some more racing action. It's like, you wait 'til the end of the video for the race and all you get is 10 seconds?

[@NancyBiker]

Really enjoyed the show. Grew up watching track racing in Kenosha Wisconsin USA.

[@jondashun]

The Japanese Keirin culture is so fascinating! Great video. There are also really nice documentaries about Keirin racing with Shane Perkins, Francois Pervis and some more on KZbin. I highly recommend watching this as well. :-)

[@Alex-vq9vj]

Thanks for the tips, will check them out.

[@BurnerProd]

the Japanese truly are amazing. I awe at there modesty, uphold of tradition, and their simplistic way of life.

[@AlexRochette]

Brilliant reporting! Thank you!

[@JonCannings]

Thanks

[@joeldumas5861]

Like most Europeans I first heard of keirin because of Koichi Nakano. The year I started track cycling competition, Nakano became the professional world champion. When I retired, he was still the undefeated champion and remained for some years to come! He said he was a good keirin racer in Japan though not the best. He just attended UCI championships because he liked that, even if it costed him a lot of money for interrupting the keirin season for a few weeks. Because of Nakano, cycling magazines started mentioning the keirin, yet totally unknown in the West World. I'm amazed to see the technology of their bikes is still very similar to my match sprint bicycle in the late 70s early 80s

[@monachusTV1]

I absolutely loved it ! Great video ! More Fixed Gear / Track cycling content please :)

[@gordonllamo]

Possibly the best video of the channel, congratulations

[@JonCannings]

My pleasure. Cheers

[@Calum_S]

Great video Jon.

[@JonCannings]

Thanks

[@matthewwong5063]

Thanks so much for the awesome video. Always wanted to know more about keirin since koichi nakano used to rule the professional Sprint world championships.

[@vladuchoo]

That's a great video, thanks GCN. It would great to learn whether there is any difference in training for track vs Keirin athletes.

[@filipracek6478]

Lookup up "Keirin school" which is isolated training program that the riders have to attend. For example they do hill reps on a super steep "wall".

[@redbirdsaraceno]

thats cool you guys chose this topic , i had completely forget about this form of racing id seen in magazines decades ago .

[@janwarrington]

Gutted you never showed us an example race - or at least some finishing laps. I really wanted to know how one "looked".........

[@juliancromwell6909]

Fascinating. A true look into something really different. GCN keeps on coming up with great content.

[@gcn]

Cheers Julian! We found it super interesting.

[@olinjohnson4152]

Great video, Jon!

[@Geeunit199]

This was one of the best uploads in ages.

[@azoique]

Now i feel like building up a track bike again..

[@gcn]

Yes! Do it.

[@terryhollands2794]

I had heard of keirin racing back in the 1970s but couldn't see any until the advent of KZbin. Thanks for covering the topic.

[@jgourdo]

Make sure it's NJS approved

[@DavidvdGulik]

I've seen a documentary about Theo Bos doing keirin racing in Japan in the off season. There are a handful of extremely detailed race strategy plans, and the riders have to announce up front which tactic they will use. To assist the betters. Maybe the documentary is on KZbin somewhere

[@DavidvdGulik]

Just looked it up, apparently he didn't race there between 2012 and 2016, and went back for a short race season in 2016 and 2017. Loads of videos if you search for 'Theo bos keirin Japan' He must be making good money over there. In the documentary he appeared on Japanese television game shows and became somewhat of a minor celebrity

[@Alex-vq9vj]

Thanks for the tip, will check it out.

[@nyc-007]

Did it ever occur to you to actually show the RACING? Would have been nice to see.

[@rubaiyatu]

Thank you! An excellent look into the world of Keirin. Too bad you didn't have time to check out the whole cycling scene in Japan -- it's AMAZING!

[@peterbrister976]

Anemometer measures wind speed👍🚵😀

[@gcn]

Thanks for clearing that one up Peter!

[@jiyon167]

I got VIP access to the Kawasaki, Kanagawa, last month. A retired racer told me that they have a choice of components. A choice of 5 for every component, saddles, bars, stems etc.

[@steinerfan1]

Show some proper footage atleast!

[@ProjectMayhem44]

I've always wondered about Keirin so I appreciated this very informative segment. Hope you guys had fun in Japan. Keep up the great work!

[@billkehrwald7957]

I want this in Kentucky instead of horse racing.

[@connieback7577]

It looks much the same as the action at Churchill Downs--except with bicycles instead of horses. It kind of had the feeling of OTB on Saturdays.

[@maxgonzalez214]

Great show guys, you just keep getting better

[@guest_informant]

Basically human greyhound racing.

[@matprlz]

Better than forcing Dogs or Horses to it I suppose...

[@iwritechecksatthegrocerystore]

I mean.... couldn’t you say that about most racing? Maybe not car racing I guess. Although I would certainly pay to see dogs driving race cars

[@hellosunshine1090]

Somewhat I supppose. Incredibly different than US Velodrome racing which my children & I participated in ! My son qualified in Velodrome racing in 2015 for the US Olympic Trials - so we know the sport well. Our US Athletes in Track cycling are truly self funded amateurs whereas the Japanese have morphed this into a professional sport / business. Nothing wrong at all about that just very different model despite the other similarities they share. Thanks GCN for showing us Keirin Racing !

[@erichaheidrich4593]

Lol. %100

[@Graptos]

Two questions: 1} what is the etymology of the word keirin? 2) what was the item on your right arm, a press pass of some sort? Hope you have a chance to explore this more: how do racers get into keirin racing; is there amateur racing; do they race for a club or as an individual; is there keirin for kids; is their sponsorship (didn’t see any logos on the track, but maybe off the track); how do the racers train etc.

[@JonCannings]

Keirin - Racing Cycle Thing on my arm was a press badge. Cheers

[@eo1830]

Jon “Two watch” Cannings

[@duncanvardy5009]

Absolutely fascinating. One of the best GCN videos.

[@adamlea21]

Can you make more track cycling videos please

[@zerocooljpn]

From Japan here, keirin is a really down to earth sport compared to Europe's track cycling. Everything is regulated as you say, you will never see anyone wearing a skin suit (which would really hurt if you fall, which does happen a lot too, light protectors are obviously the better choice). And the bikes that, admittedly, do kind of look the same, are actually all made for that specific rider, seriously. We have shops and 職人 (craftsmen) that make the bike specifically for the rider, so they're in one aspect "unique" and very hard to get... Another issue with carbon is that it's super expensive compared to steel, and when you're ordering order-made, that price obviously increases. And it sucks when you fall, which can create micro fractures in the frame, meaning you'd most likely have to replace your newly bought, maybe only once/twice ridden super cool looking carbon frame... it's not just economical, as keirin cyclists must pay everything by themselves and all, and that could make things "unfair" which would mean less cyclists = less money for the government, therefore, not allowed lol. For "girls keirin" (the female competitions, usually the 5th, and/or 6th race in an event of probably 10 or more races in which most riders are guys anyway), they're allowed to use carbon frames. The main reason is that girls keirin is not really considered as real competitions by many spectators, which as you can see, are in the elderly age range, so they planned everything to be flashy and attractive for "new people". It is kind of sexiest actually. The official slogan is like "our thighs are better than our faces" roughly translated. And compared to guys keirin, the female number of cyclists is minimal, and the number of crashes is a lot more limited, so not so horribly affecting the economical impact for the riders. One other thing though, is that the association wanted girls to be able to participate in the olympics, so allowing carbon frames for them to get used to them was a good thing I guess. Also some other quick comments, most "tracks" are different in Japan. Since nobody cares about UCI rules here lol. There are actually like only one or two velodromes in Japan which follow UCI standards, so they can use them at the olympics and for national competitors. Keirin and track cycling are considered completely different things as you can guess. The closest olympic velodrome from Tokyo is like 200km away... 2.5 hours train? probably a bit longer. While there are already like two around 30~50mins from central Tokyo. Also, most people do betting online, there are lots of sites and apps you can use so you don't need to go the velodrome/keirin-jo. I usually bet from the office too during work, as I guess most people do. And I'm not really sure if it's a 100% or not, but I think all races are broadcasted by youtube or another Japanese video stream sites. I don't really know how many people use the TV for this purpose, but I'm pretty sure most people just watch races by their cellphone, and computers. The "atmosphere" of places you can bet (including horse and boat racing) is considered not to be very good/family friendly, so most people prefer to bet from home I guess. Great report, please be back to Japan sometime and cycle here too!