Keirin

**Keirin** (ケイリン)
	Keirin in Colwood, British Columbia, July 2006
Highest governing body	Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and JKA Foundation (Japanese regulating body)
Year originated	1948 in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan
Characteristics
Type	Track cycling
Presence
Olympic	2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020

Keirin (競輪 / ケイリン, [keːɾiɴ])^[1] – literally "racing cycle" – is a form of motor-paced cycle racing in which track cyclists sprint for victory following a speed-controlled start behind a motorized or non-motorized pacer. It was developed in Japan around 1948 for gambling purposes and became an official event at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

Keirin race in Kanagawa, 2023

Riders use brakeless fixed-gear bicycles. Races are typically 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) long: 6 laps on a 250 m (270 yd) track, 4 laps on a 333 m (364 yd) track, or 4 laps on a 400 m (440 yd) track. Lots are drawn to determine starting positions for the sprint riders behind the pacer, which is usually a motorcycle, but can be a derny, electric bicycle or tandem bicycle. Riders must remain behind the pacer for 3 laps on a 250 m (270 yd) track. The pacer starts at 30 km/h (19 mph), gradually increasing to 50 km/h (31 mph) by its final circuit. The pacer leaves the track 750 m (820 yd) before the end of the race (3 laps on a 250 m (270 yd) track). The winner's finishing speed can exceed 70 km/h (43 mph).

Competition keirin races are conducted over several rounds with one final. Some eliminated cyclists can try again in the repechages.

^ In Japan, kanji 競輪 generally means the original Japanese Keirin, while katakana ケイリン is often used for the modified international version of the sport.

[1] In Japan, kanji 競輪 generally means the original Japanese Keirin, while katakana ケイリン is often used for the modified international version of the sport.

[1]