Harrie Lavreysen and Hetty van de Wouw compete in prestigious keirin event in Japan

A new adventure for Harrie Lavreysen: the Dutch track cycling star has been invited to the prestigious keirin competition in Japan. And he’s not the only Dutch rider to take part, as three-time world champion Hetty van de Wouw also holds an invitation.

Keirin is a discipline in track cycling that originated in Japan. However, the Japanese keirin competition has different rules compared to major international events such as the World Championships and the Olympic Games.

In Japan, betting is allowed on the races. Additionally, the tracks are often larger, and contact with the outside world is prohibited for participants shortly before race days. This measure is to prevent match-fixing.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, foreign top riders have not competed in this competition, but the international cycling federation (UCI) and the Japan Keirin Autorace Foundation (JKA) are now making this possible again. Today, the federations announced the names of the six international track cyclists (three men and three women) who will compete in some of the most prestigious keirin races in Japan in 2026.

Strict conditions
“This comeback will take place under strict conditions regarding sporting integrity, including race manipulation and anti-doping, to ensure no conflicts arise between the Japanese races and important track cycling events on the international UCI calendar,” the UCI said in a press release. “The shared goal is to promote athletes and enhance the visibility of track cycling.”