Home > News

Check out this wild keirin race in Japan…in the snow

The track discipline is like wrestling on bikes

Photo by: Chris @Vlaanderen90
January 7, 2022
Share on SMS

Keirin is a form of track racing in which  riders sprint for the win after following a motorized pacer bike. Its roots date back to 1948, when the sport was created as a gambling event. Although it eventually caught on in the West, it only became a official Olympic event at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Races are typically 1.5 km, which is six laps on a 250 m track. The format is simple: the pacer begins at 30 km/h then increases to 50 km/h for the third lap. The riders are constantly jockeying for position at this point, trying to get the best spot before the racing really begins. The pacer leaves the track at 750 m and then all Hell breaks loose for the riders.

In Japan, going to a Keirin race is much like going to a horse or dog race…except it’s people on bikes. The races there start with the riders riding to the start line, bowing  as they enter the track and also as they place their bikes on the start line. Additionally, each rider has an easily identifiable coloured jersey and number so it’s easy for the gamblers to place their bets.

The races can get pretty animated, especially once the pacer takes off. Riders will use their elbows, helmets, and shoulders to push other riders out the way, doing everything they can to try and cross the finish line.

Of course, with all those headbutts and elbow-throwing, you can imagine that not every rider will end up crossing the line fully upright.

Check out the video below to watch just how intense the racing is. Not only are they going full speed…but it’s snowing! Watch the whole thing…right until the end.