Keirins

Keirin is a professional track cycling sport that originated in Japan. It is a type of motor-paced racing where cyclists sprint over a distance of 1.5 to 2 kilometers. The race begins with a motorized pacing vehicle, known as a derny, which gradually increases its speed. Riders follow the derny, and it is an offense to overtake it before it pulls off the track. Once the derny exits, usually with around two to three laps remaining, the cyclists begin their final sprint. The first rider to cross the finish line wins. Keirin races are characterized by their tactical nature and often involve aggressive maneuvering as riders jockey for position. The sport is extremely popular in Japan, where it is a major betting event. It was introduced as an Olympic sport in the 2000 Sydney Games for men and in 2012 London Games for women. The rules and track dimensions are standardized, although variations in race length can occur. The bikes used in keirin are typically single-speed and brakeless, requiring a high degree of skill and control from the athletes.