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The Olympic Cycling Sport You Never Knew About

7/24/2016

9 Comments

 
Track cycling provides a whole new dynamic for cycling fans and spectators to enjoy. Unlike road races, where fans can only catch a passing glimpse of competitors as they fly by, the track (or velodrome) offers a close quarter and fast paced dynamic that is entirely unique. Fixed-gear cyclists compete on a steeply sloped track, 42 degrees at the ends and 32 on the sides. In fact, the ends are so steep that there is usually no seating there as the angle is so severe that it prohibits spectators' views. 
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In Rio, there will be many individual and team track events. One of the lesser known, and most fascinating of them all, is Keirin. Along with Judo, Keirin is the only other Olympic sport to have originated from Japan. There, it is a highly competitive and highly regulated sport that requires unique dedication unlike any other cycling event. 
Brazilian and Olympic Flags
Rio Summer Olympics 2016

Keirin Racing in Japan

Keirin’s origins as a betting sport in Japan have shaped the environment of the sport in the country today. Keirin has more professional competitors than any sport in Japan and it’s one of only four legal betting sports. This leads to a heavily controlled environment for racers, who live in dormitories with no Internet or cell phones prior to races to avoid fixing. To become a licensed racer, riders must enroll in Keirin school for one year, completely dedicating their lives to the sport. 
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The Race Itself

The race itself is over 1.25 miles with riders following a motorbike that gradually increases in speed, reaching 30 mph before pulling off 750 yards from the finish. At this point, racers break formation and jostle, push and will their way across the finish line at speeds of up to 45 mph. Racers declare tactics before the race (for betting purposes in Japan) and many have specialties such as sprinting and blocking. Contact is normal, as are crashes, and the result is a thrilling race with a fever pitch finish. 
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Keirin made its Olympic debut in 2000 and it will certainly be an interesting sport to watch in Rio. ​
9 Comments
Michael J. Vega
8/14/2016 03:32:10 am

Wow... It's awesome article. I enjoy this Rio Olympic 2016. Thanks for share this article.

Reply
Mona
8/14/2016 06:31:22 am

Wow - I have never heard of Keirin, but it sounds like so much fun! I wish I could watch one of these races!

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Caroline Kaugher
8/14/2016 08:55:07 am

That's actually quite interesting about the tracks, I had no idea they were that steep! Not sure about the crashes, though, doesn't sound very safe! lol

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John Willz
8/14/2016 09:26:22 am

Keirin sounds pretty crazy and it sounds like it has a ton of action. I will have to catch some of this. I'm imagining with the slopes involved, crashes could be pretty numerous and pretty ugly.

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Austin Kline
8/14/2016 10:34:50 am

This is such a unique sport I never knew about. I don't think that many people even knew about this. If I hadn't read this article I certainly wouldn't have known. Amazing facts about a sport I didn't know existed.

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Montanna Slight
8/14/2016 07:58:42 pm

Wow this is quite interesting, and would be pretty neat to try!

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Tim C
8/14/2016 08:08:04 pm

Wow, that is really cool to read about. I had no idea! Awesome!

Reply
Lina
8/15/2016 12:51:37 pm

What an interesting article, Keirin sounds like a fun and adventurous sport!

Reply
Mark Truffy
12/2/2016 01:49:22 am

Very nice and interesting article. It is very funny and adventure post. Really awesome

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    Cameron Poetzscher

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    Cameron Poetzscher is a Harvard Business School graduate with extensive M&A, business strategy and operations experience.
    He is the VP of Corporate Development at Uber, and is passionate about sport.

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