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Japan's Keirin cycling phenomenon

How the uniquely Japanese track cycling event made its Olympic debut in 2000.

In the year 2000, the Japanese track cycling sport of Keirin made its Olympic debut at the Sydney Games. Wildly popular in Japan, Keirin races begin with the cyclists following a motorized pacer, who gradually cranks up the speed until the riders are released into a final frenetic sprint. Ashley Byrne talks to former Japanese cyclist, Shinichi Ota, about trying to win the first gold medal in the sport his country invented. The programme is a Made-In-Manchester Production.

PHOTO: A Keirin race at the 2016 Olympics (Getty Images)

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9 minutes

Last on

Sun 10 Oct 202118:50GMT
BBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only

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Broadcasts

  • Thu 7 Oct 202109:50GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Thu 7 Oct 202123:50GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Sat 9 Oct 202117:50GMT
    BBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
  • Sun 10 Oct 202118:50GMT
    BBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only

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