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Begining in Japan in 1948, The keirin is a fast and exciting track cycling event. In which from a mass start of 6 to 9 riders, who are initially paced around a track by a motorcycle before sprinting for the finishing line.
Popularity
Keirin began as a betting sport in Japan in 1948, where it has since become very popular and is a major sport. Keirin has been a UCI men's World Championship event since 1980, and women's since 2002. Men's keirin became an event at the 2000 Olympics
Location
Keirin is a track event contested in a Velodrome, and contested over a standard distance of approximately 2,000 metres.
Description
Riders draw lots for starting positions and start as the pacer (which can be a motorcycle, derny, or tandem bicycle) approaches. The riders are required to remain behind the pacer, which starts at a purposely slow speed of about 25 km/h, gradually increasing in speed, leaving the track approximately 600-700 meters before the end, at a speed of about 50 km/h. The first cyclist to finish the race is the winner (sometimes finishing at 70 km/h). Keirin races are approximately 2 km in length.
Dedication
Keirin competitions, are often conducted in several rounds in order to reduce the number of competitors to one "final" round of 6-9 riders. Eliminated cyclists may get the opportunity to try again in a repechage.
Potential
The current world champions (2008) are Scotsman Chris Hoy for men and American Jennie Reed for women.
Closely
Related Activities
Pacing 173, Track Cycle Racing 178.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
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Legs
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Sight
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Hearing
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Speech |
Learning |
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