Keirin Tactics: An introduction for Track Sprinters

2024년 9월 4일

Introduction

If you're looking to deepen your understanding of keirin racing and pick up some fundamental tactics, this blog is for you. The keirin is a high-speed, high-adrenaline race that captivates both riders and spectators alike. While it's essential to plan your tactics ahead of time, once the race starts, anything can happen. In this article, we'll briefly explore the history of the keirin, delve into key tactics, and highlight some common mistakes to avoid.

What is the Keirin?

The keirin is a short-distance track race, part of the sprint track racing dicipline, held in both outdoor and indoor velodromes around the world. It became an official Olympic event at the Sydney 2000 Games. According to the UCI's 'Discover Keirin' section: "Riders follow in the slipstream of a pacing motorbike for 750m before undertaking a three-lap sprint to the finish. The motorbike gradually increases speed from 30 to 50 kph before pulling off the track to allow the sprint to begin."

Typically raced on a 250m track outside of Japan and Korea, up to seven riders start side by side on the pursuit line, supported for a held start. A motorbike or e-bike (known as a derny), paces the riders by gradually increasing speed to 50 kph over three laps. Once the derny exits the track, the riders sprint the remaining three laps (750m) to the finish. The first rider across the line wins.

A Brief History of the Keirin

Originating in Japan, the term 'keirin' means 'racing cycle.' The first race was held in 1948 at the Kokura Velodrome in Kitakushu. The Japanese government promoted the sport as part of a strategy to boost the economy after World War 2, even legalising betting on the event. Today, keirin is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, with strict regulations on bike components and attire to ensure fair competition. Notably, betting on keirin races generates significant revenue, some of which supports social welfare and public projects.

The equipment used in the Japaneese Keirin is all strictly homologated with a NJS (Nihon Jitensha Shinkokai) - the Japanese Bicycling Association stamp of approval. NJS stamped equipment maintains a desirable feature amongst the track and fixed gear community - a statement of quality and performance. Most of the NJS equipment used in today's traditional Keirin racing has remained standardised from the 1970’s and 80’s. In today's era it looks as though they are racing on vintage bikes, however all the equipment is still made and available as new.

Image: More Cadence

Core Tactics for Keirin Racing

Tactics in keirin racing can be complex, akin to those in match sprinting. Here are four primary tactics often used by athletes to win the race:

Before the Derny Pulls Off: The initial phase, when the derny is still on the track, is critical. Although the speed is predictable. riders must anticipate moves from behind and position themselves strategically. If you're at the back, consider moving up as the pace increases to avoid being left behind once the sprint begins. Staying at the back has a strong likelihood that you will remain out of contention for the win (given all riders are all of a similar ability).

Rider number one (the person behind the derny) usually leaves a gap between him- or herself and the derny. This is to ensure that, if someone from the rear of the group makes a move to the front on the run-up to the line when the derny pulls off, then the person behind the derny has room to accelerate and not be swamped and/or boxed in when the derny pulls off.

The last couple of riders in the line will usually speed up in, say, the last half lap before the derny pulls off and ride to much nearer the front – or even take the lead. This makes sense so that they are in contention from the very beginning of the race proper. If they stay passively at the back of the field, their race to the line is at least five bike-lengths longer than the rest.
The Leadout: As soon as the derny leaves the track, taking the lead and progressively increasing speed can secure a win—provided you're stronger than your competitors. This approach requires careful energy management to maintain the lead over the final laps.
The Stall and Rush: After the derny pulls away, you can take the lead and then slow down, tempting another rider to make an early move. This tactic aims to force others to expend energy while you conserve yours for a decisive attack later in the race.

If a rider does try to come over the top to take the lead, you can respond by jumping to match their attack, making it difficult for them to pass you by travelling a greater distance around the banking.

If they do manage to take the lead, their increased speed raises the pace at the front of the race, which means you can follow the attacker’s wheel without getting swamped by the rest of the field. The aim is to let just one rider come past you and then sit in their draft to conserve energy before the final kick.
The Late Run: This high-risk tactic involves sitting back and conserving energy until the final moments, then launching a powerful sprint to overtake the field. It requires patience and a sharp sense of timing to avoid getting boxed in. Towards the end of the race, it isn't uncommon for riders to be 3-4 wide around the final bends. Although you are travelling further around the track, the added elevation can provide that extra push on the final straight to cross the line further up the pack.

Getty Images: Mens Keirin 2024 Paris Olympics

Additional Tips and Common Mistakes

Positioning: Always leave enough room between yourself and the rider in front during the paced laps. This gap gives you space to breathe as the pace increases or decreases. The space reduces the chance of being boxed in when the sprint begins.
Committing to the Front: If you decide to take the lead, commit fully and use the 'Leadout' tactic wisely. Practise your aero tuck, as being at the front of the race takes more energy to maintain the same pace as those behind.
Patience and Timing: If you're boxed in early, wait for opportunities to open up as others tire.
Practice Practice Practice: The more races you do, the more you’ll understand the flow of the race. You’ll get a feel for your ability and where you should kick so as to not blow up too early.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Getting Boxed In: Failing to leave enough room can leave you stuck when the sprint starts.
Wasting Energy: Moving too early or getting caught on the outside can drain your energy reserves prematurely.
Misjudging the Pace: Remember, sprinting all out from the front rarely succeeds unless you carefully manage your speed and energy.

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