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

Whilst in Japan, Jon checked out the biggest form of bike racing in the nation, Keirin Racing, a sport where ¥1.3trillion Yen are bet each year! An event where tradition is central, we take a look at what makes Japanese Keirin racing so special...

It's safe to say that Japanese track racing, specifically the Keirin, is a pretty special event. Jon absolutely loved his day at the track and was amazed by all that he saw.

Let us know what you think of this event, have you ever been to Keirin racing? 👇

If you enjoyed this video, make sure to give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends. 👍

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Leave us a comment below!

[gcn]

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

[avq]

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.

[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 :)

[TrocaderoPenguin]

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

[manueldeubler]

One of the best videos on keirin racing in Japan on Youtube. 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.

[brucebrucestofiston]

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

[mattchung]

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

[HAKUTAI]

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.

[richardhaselwood]

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

[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)

[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".

[backyardmachinist]

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

[kurtandrews]

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).

[jlebad]

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

[Altimis]

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

[mxkstfmk]

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

[zxvk]

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

[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.

[dumbbellenjoyer]

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