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SportCycling
NameJapanese Track Racing
SubtitleThe Advantages of "Keirin"
Number102-19
InfoFor some ten years now, competitive cycling has been a popular sport in the Land of the Rising Sun. It already seems a long time since Hajime Kato, artist-to-be and future international cycling impresario, won his national championships in the face of meagre opposition. Since that day, cycling in general and tracks in particular have made great strides. In 1976, the number of spectators was estimated at 50 million over the season, while the turnover was more than $ 3,000 million. This prosperity is explained by the betting set-up — the 'keirin' — which centers round cycle races. In Japan not just anyone can start up as an organizer of cycle races. Only certain local authorities, designated by the government minister, can do so, and they can only hold 12 races a year, each lasting no longer than six days. Currently, the number of racing cyclists is approximately 4,500. They are all sportsmen who have passed the examination held by the professional racers' association. The examination is taken at the end of 10 months' attendance at the cycle racing school. The cyclist then, in the eyes of the authorities, becomes self employed. There are about 50 velodromes, all well equipped. Every race is electronically recorded, and the judges are housed in cabins perched on top of the track roof. In Japan the profits do not go to the national association. Instead, they are divided between equipping government rented housing, schools, public buildings and anti-pollution work. European cyclists were unaware of the strength in depth and vigor of the Japanese sport until 1977 in Venezuela, at San Cristobal, when, after the hints given in 1975 and 1976 (Abe, then Sugata, both third), the world sprint championship final saw Koichi Nakano, the winner, taking on Joshikazu Sugata, and these are not by any means the two top Japanese racers. The takeover could have happened much earlier.
Photo Info1977 WCH sprint (left to right): K. Nakano (1st), J. Nicholson (3rd) and J. Sugata (2nd)
Copyright© 1979, Edito-Service S.A., Geneva Photo Presse-Sports-Explorer Printed in Italy 03 005 102-19
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