I first learned about this sport in the last summer Olympics. I thought it was trek all the way but then they said keirin and I was immediately on Google looking up. Now I'm just stunned. I had no idea it's so strict in Japan. It simply amazes me. It's rather fascinating. Thanks for the video
The "montage" at the end was so disappointing. They build up for some exciting moments! Here we go! They're Off--- and yeah here they are walking their bikes back inside goodbye plzsubscribe. I wish they'd at least say the reason if they weren't allowed to show it instead of that stupid bait.
One of the best videos on keirin racing in Japan on TH-cam. The bikes are jaw dropping and the heritage of the sport is completly different from what we see in the western world.
Nice video, but I am missing some interesting facts. You can race, if you have a permit, and to have that you have to go through Keirin academy. One of the exams is to unfold and re build your bike in exact oder on time. It is sport for Japanese cyclists, and about 6 invited individuals from around the globe. As you mentioned, people bet on the cyclists. You have to anounce your tactics in advance and stick to it (example Senko - long sprint, Oikomi - short sprint). Winner have to give small present to other cyclist in the race (bottle of energy drink...). Looking for next epizode :)
baranybumm in theory but foreign athletes usually do a two-month course and then appear in special races (and they almost always thrash the Japanese racers)
Global Cycling Network i just chimed in above in the same manner before seeing McDermott comment. Frankly, Emma is excellent, Oscar is talented but you ( and I must presume your travel production team ) furnished a cracking cracking piece.
I thought they looked rather uninspiring. Nothing aerodynamic or shapely, super shallow rims, old-fashioned gumwall tires...looks like something you'd find abandoned in the back of someone's shed. It hurts a bit knowing they could have made everyone a good deal faster if they just updated the spec once or twice in the last several decades.
@@kevinvermeer9011 everyone has their own preferences. It's like comparing a classic sports car to a modern one. Sure you are going faster in the new car but you would be having just as much fun driving the classic. Besides, NJS is a standard to ensure fair racing so riders don't get unfair advantage in equipment. NJS also happens to have very strict quality standards which is why it is converted for fixed gear bikes.
@@kevinvermeer9011 i'd really like to be polite. but please kevin... just go home. those bikes are beautiful exactly how they are and there are reasons for that. but i don't care enough to explain them to you.
Once a month, you can ride your bike on the velodrome when bicycle association opens the track for everyone. The pavement is quite smooth and the speed you carry is higher than outside road. Of cause the scenery is boring, but you can concentrate on riding, So, It is fun to ride a bike there and I think you will feel like keeping riding as long as you can.
@@UenoLocker54 it is like this -> th-cam.com/video/-P0-iYVg638/w-d-xo.html You can experience keirin racing with your friends and others. Both free and fixed gear are allowed. And if you want, you can do 500 m and/or 1km time trial. Anyway I want to see GCN members race keirin. it would be fun to watch
@John No need for the snark. They're clearly Japanese and aren't fluent in English. I think we might just be able to give them a break, don'tcha think?
I do get the feeling that's how they are treated. I think it's the lack of fans that do it, so they end up objectified. However, he probably earns more than her and has more free time to not be an object.
I have been there and watched some races (without betting) and I found it interesting because they do not want anyone to be consistently the be the fastest and there is no age limit. As long as you are competitive in your given category (and there many) you can race well into your fifty's. Some of the lower categories (with higher ages) the speeds are very modest. The highest category is where you will see foreigners come in for a special event series (by invitation only).
@GCN love this video! so glad you guys featured Japanese Keirin! Good to see my home country featured in GCN video :) FYI, all Keirin bikes are made of steel for safety reason (steels bend, carbon/aluminum shatter and possible it could injure athletes with shattered pieces) since crash and bail is really common because of head/shoulder/elbow bumping (also to help frame builder businesses as well)
It's true. So many people in the US are still riding old made in Japan Fuji or Miyata steel bikes. I doubt many of the carbon bikes on the road today will still be around in 30 years. The thing I really like though is that the keirin bikes are still made by Japanese builders. If other countries had made similar rules for their races, maybe people in europe & the US would still be building bikes too instead of just having everything made in for them in Taiwan & China.
Those bikes are absolutely stunning. I can't even imagine how skilled the builders must be considering they've had such a long time to perfect their craft on the same frame designs rather than constantly having to move onwards to the next innovation.
Will we get to see more of the racing? I own two road bikes a 91' Miyata 914 upgraded with STI shifters, and a stock bar the tires and tubes 85' Panasonic DX5000, also a 79' Miyata 1000LE touring bike. All made in Japan, exceptional build quality. Miyatas Splined Triple Butted tubing, stiffest steel tubing I have ever ridden! Fantastic stuff!
And Jon almost bumped his head on the low ceiling. I went to cycle in Fukuoka last month. Now that I have been cycling in Japan: I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese , I really think so.”
Thank you for sharing the Japanese Keirin!! I am Japanese, so I know quite Keirin Track race. The Keirin is one of the best popular sport in Japan, although most Japanese don't know the Road Race. Hopefully, I look forward to creating GCN Japanese channel (like Espanol) !!
Look into Asians if you had no idea about this... They truly are the most respectful race of people, incredibly hard working, honest and smart. Ive never met a dirty or disrespectful Asian
@John The mathematical error in assuming the personality of 4 billion people based on people you have met is just the same as assuming the criminality of them based on bad news you hear.
Great report, interesting about the NJS stamp of approval and how Campagnolo has only once managed to get a group set approved. Good to see the steel still being raced and what a sea of racing kit colours. Japan one of the best places I've visited, well worth a visit. Thanks again for another great video. Andy
Two more things to add: The colour of that stripe on their shorts indicates level of experience. I also remember reading that they have to announce what strategy they will be using during the race, not sticking to it later is considered taboo. Weird, but think it had to do with the gambling aspect of it.
Fantastic video as always! This is so fascinating and awesome! As someone who is fascinated in Japan, Keirin truly amazes me! This video made me know more about the Keirin.
Thanks GCN, my subscription is really worthy, i am a Filino and i am also a cycling enthusiast, your videos are very informative and helpful, it made me more interested about cycling. Thank you so much, i hope one of your staff could visit the Philippines particularly in Cebu.
I think the outdoor track at Herne Hill that is a similar size (450m) in SE London has an all weather surface on it these days as riders were riding there in the rain when I visited the other day.
For a look at the American take on Keirin racing, please consider coming to Dick Lane Velodrome in Atlanta for the annual Keirin event. Usually in May so already gone this year, but it's a rather different version with lots of fans, cheering and unique Southern US flavor. My personal favorite cycling event to watch in person, ever!
Great informative video! There was a lot I didn't know even though I live here in Japan. I do see the Keirin racers out on the road on occasion on their piste bikes with the obligatory front brake attached, but have never actually been to see the races. One thing I was disappointed though was the choice of BGM especially at the beginning. Yes, the kind of music used there helps to make the feel the viewer lie they are in exotic Asia, but Hollywood has been doing that for years and I think I'm not the only who's tired of it. The type of music is how the West sees us and not what we actually listen to. I don't know what would be the right type of music, but I think you could try a little harder than going to the most obvious choice. Sorry for the rant. I'm really a fan of GCN and love what you guys do. I hope you can take this as constructive criticism. Thanks.
should have played babymetal 🤘 But the choice of generic koto music might be to do with copyright. If they use a modern song "universal music group" kills the TH-cam video.
@@dfpguitar maybe so, but it still doesn't change how I felt. I don't think they meant any harm. They just didn't think give it much thought. Babymetal would definitely be great, but they can't use that, I'm sure there are other possibilities besides the generic koto music.
Really the music? You do realize anime, exaggerates stereotypes, yet is extremely popular. Create content, let's stop criticizing creators whom are not preaching hate.
Thanks so much for the awesome video. Always wanted to know more about keirin since koichi nakano used to rule the professional Sprint world championships.
It's always a treat to see some steel. I'm off to tesco's on one of my steels to celebrate. The heavy one I think. Not a scrap of cf on it at all. Let's get the Beersin for the Keirin; good honest steelist's.
sandydenny lives agree! Bout a year ago I decided to try aluminum just... because I make lots of poor decisions in my life and (I guess) I thought: “hey I haven’t extended my line of thinking towards bikes yet” ... Miss my steel baby. Going to eventually get back, when I can find an excuse to justify the frame/fork purchase.
Super interesting! Hope your visit there has footage enough for several more videos. Left me hungry for more - more on the bikes, more on the structure/strategy of the race, interview with current/former riders. Whole new universe!
Except : 1. What was the hand waving about 'ju jitzu'? Very unnecessary, irritating and unprofessional - keep hands still or in pockets! 2. Vocally untrained takes much too long to get to and make a point. . . . . . 3. Why does the lens focus unnecessarily and lengthily on the speaker - we can hear what he says. The camera should be used more fruitfully . . . . as has been pointed out several times. 4. 'Without' cycling footage, why was this video not made in Europe? Conclusion - 'Very amateurish production. IMHO.
Peter Roberts I find that the hand movement was better than staying still or having hands in pocket. This channel in general has a more natural flow rather than stiff movements of staying still and hands in pockets
It's not "KAREN".... It's Keirin... (kay-rin). Sorry, but after 20 years of living and cycling here I just had to say. That said, so glad you introduced this. Next is to show the amazing roads that Japan has to offer. Happy to take you on a ride. Check out Gunma Prefecture and the mountains.
Nice informative video, but I would've liked to have seen some more racing action. It's like, you wait 'til the end of the video for the race and all you get is 10 seconds?
The Japanese Keirin culture is so fascinating! Great video. There are also really nice documentaries about Keirin racing with Shane Perkins, Francois Pervis and some more on TH-cam. I highly recommend watching this as well. :-)
I went to the same place and had the exact same reaction... so different from what I expected...thanks for bringing back the memories and explaining some of what is happening inside
I've seen a documentary about Theo Bos doing keirin racing in Japan in the off season. There are a handful of extremely detailed race strategy plans, and the riders have to announce up front which tactic they will use. To assist the betters. Maybe the documentary is on TH-cam somewhere
Just looked it up, apparently he didn't race there between 2012 and 2016, and went back for a short race season in 2016 and 2017. Loads of videos if you search for 'Theo bos keirin Japan' He must be making good money over there. In the documentary he appeared on Japanese television game shows and became somewhat of a minor celebrity
The part of the tales I learned is that Keirin is actually designed to be "a horse race" when the economy is struggling and real horses are difficult to come by. Not sure if I heard the Japanese old man correctly, but this sounds likely.
Chawanat Nakasan - I’ve also heard that the Japanese government funded the construction of a lot of the velodromes as work projects to help the economy, but in order to make the project worthwhile, they needed to create a larger source of income than what the European velodromes make. So the “sport” of Kierin was created to bring in consistent gambling money.
Ha ha I think that we should just have a series of videos where Jon just goes and visits Velodromes and gives us a tour around them during a big track meet! This was a really cracking video and a big thank you to Jon for doing it. I found it hugely fascinating to see how things work with the Keirin racing there in Japan... sounds like quite a lonely life if your stuck in the velodrome for 6 days during the competition but I guess it beats working at Sea! Really interesting tracks which they are racing on as well, sounds like more like the surface of a running track instead of that of a velodrome. I don't that that Jonny tech is gonna find much new tech there but very interesting to see how they do have things all very regimented. Once again really great video guys! loved it! Thank you!
Jon Cannings, Come down to the Sydney Christmas (track) Carnivals. Five days of track racing at four different velodromes (in Sydney of course). 27-31 December. Lots of fun and usually it’s hot hot hot!
Somewhat I supppose. Incredibly different than US Velodrome racing which my children & I participated in ! My son qualified in Velodrome racing in 2015 for the US Olympic Trials - so we know the sport well. Our US Athletes in Track cycling are truly self funded amateurs whereas the Japanese have morphed this into a professional sport / business. Nothing wrong at all about that just very different model despite the other similarities they share. Thanks GCN for showing us Keirin Racing !
Excellent video! This is truly fascinating to someone who loves cycling, such as myself, and was previously unaware of Keirin's existence. The research of the presenter and the "behind the scenes" footage show an attention to detail that is, if I may say, very appropriate to the subject matter and the culture in which it is based. Top quality. Thank you!
ohh just passed by tachikawa's keirinjou yesterday! can't believe GCN is in Japan. Would have loved to see you in person. Hope you're having fun. You can make a vid on cycling abroad, and how Japanese roads suck as they're super slim and truck drivers are homicidal. Seriously though, until relatively recently it was illegal for bicycles to ride in the open road, and many old people haven't had their laws updated and start fighting very often.
It sounds like you ride in urban areas only? I know the Kanto area is very crowded and I would not enjoy riding in those urban areas either. Yes the roads are narrow, however, in the vast majority of the country, there is very little traffic in the countryside, especially in the mountains. BTW, Japan is 80% mountains. For myself, I can ride over 160 km from Kyoto to the Japan Sea and back and have no more than a dozen cars come past. Go explore a little more and I think you may find one of the best places in the world for road cycling.
Vincent Flanagan I’m with you on this one. I live in Tochigi prefecture and have virtually no issues with roads or “homicidal” truck drivers. There are amazing paved trails along many of the rivers. There are also thousands of dedicated bike trails throughout the country. Once you hit the mountains, it’s easy to find seldom-used utility roads. I love cycling here.
@@vincentflanagan198 ahh it's nice you guys are enjoying the country side. Yeah, I live in Tokyo, and it's my main cycling area. I've actually gone from Tokyo to Osaka by bicycle a couple of times too (around 450km). And sometimes go to Saitama/Gunma (around 150km) too. All those roads, full of homicidal truck drivers lol. In the city, homicidal car drivers (especially taxis) too. It's true there are some very nice places to cycle too. I get my dozen of cycling magazines too, and have been to some. But that's certainly not what I see every day commuting or cycling for the sport (even when I want to go to the country side, I'd rather cycle there). The roads are supposed to be open for cyclists, but still like 80% of cyclists I see daily, not real cyclist but rather every day commuters and/or moms picking up their kids, don't use the road as cars are super close and all, and use the sidewalk instead. Not even the police follows the law most of the time. So yes, I've had some bad experiences with cars. No accidents yet, but I can't say the same about many of my friends who respected the law and ended up in the hospital. In Tokyo most "real" cyclists end up just cycling by the river... Anyway, I think I've done my share of exploring. Please explore some too and you'll see some of the trucks I've told you about ;) You can search in youtube for things like '環八 自転車" (the road I use to commute sometimes! but would rather not...) and see the Japan you apparently don't know.
@@storyandsoundscape8859 good for you man. Yeah, I've lived in Gunma (next to Tochigi), and I remember it being very quiet too, mostly. I guess you could say everywhere is nice in the country side, and cycling sucks in general in the metropolitan area? as I told Vincent above, th-cam.com/video/-u-kO6QSzn4/w-d-xo.html this is kind of more what I see daily...
I lived in Japan for 13 years . In many areas, Kanagawa, Aomori, on the island of kyushu, and okinawa. I have found japan to be one of the most safe place in the world to ride . the laws since the 1975 till 1994 when I moved back to the states was to protect the cyclist. I have found that if you are hit by a car in japan that the car is 100% found at fault. But if you are in a car accident while in a car the percentage of who is at fault is divided but all involved in the accident .. I had a friend that hit a parked truck one night and the truck driver was found to be 15% liable to causing the accident, japan sees it as if your truck was not there then the accident never would had happened.
Did you know Keirin was so huge in Japan?! Let us know what you think of the sport.
I first learned about this sport in the last summer Olympics. I thought it was trek all the way but then they said keirin and I was immediately on Google looking up.
Now I'm just stunned. I had no idea it's so strict in Japan. It simply amazes me.
It's rather fascinating. Thanks for the video
Heard about it several years ago when l vistied a friend in Japan.
I have been hooked since!!
Get Emma to do the women's race
yes, you should have taken a look at their training regimen, it's pretty brutal :)
I had no idea... and I live here! Awesome video!
Was hoping to see at least one lap of them actually racing rather than clips of them hanging around the track and walking their bikes around.
He probably wasn't allowed to show a full race for whatever reason.
You might like: th-cam.com/video/qxze08tCoCA/w-d-xo.html
The "montage" at the end was so disappointing. They build up for some exciting moments! Here we go! They're Off--- and yeah here they are walking their bikes back inside goodbye plzsubscribe.
I wish they'd at least say the reason if they weren't allowed to show it instead of that stupid bait.
@@Greippi10 I think a montage has to be more than 5 seconds long.
@@markconnelly1806 Notice how that's a recording of a TV? If that video becomes popular, I'm willing to bet that it gets copyright striked.
Top class currency conversion.
quick maffs
no smartphone to google it lololol
Showing the bikes more closly and a complete 2minutes race would have complete this interesting episode
It was just fine...
Agreed, wanted to see a race too but that is what TH-cam is for I guess.
@@markgrenier6787 yer it was fine ..... I'm sure what GCN wanted.
Also lot of keirin does use a motorbike still. It was only different at this specific velodrome he was in.
They can now be watched live on YT
One of the best videos on keirin racing in Japan on TH-cam. The bikes are jaw dropping and the heritage of the sport is completly different from what we see in the western world.
Nice video, but I am missing some interesting facts. You can race, if you have a permit, and to have that you have to go through Keirin academy. One of the exams is to unfold and re build your bike in exact oder on time. It is sport for Japanese cyclists, and about 6 invited individuals from around the globe. As you mentioned, people bet on the cyclists. You have to anounce your tactics in advance and stick to it (example Senko - long sprint, Oikomi - short sprint). Winner have to give small present to other cyclist in the race (bottle of energy drink...). Looking for next epizode :)
This is fascinating info, thanks Petr! 👍🏻
@John More fascist than the Axis powers. Oh wait...
Ahh crap, arubatsuru (albatross) -- like what happens in Japanese golf, when you score a hole-in-one, IIRC.
Gajins can go to this Keirin Academy?
baranybumm in theory but foreign athletes usually do a two-month course and then appear in special races (and they almost always thrash the Japanese racers)
This was classic tv documentary standard coverage in terms of production, content and presentation. Truly impressive.
Thanks Jon.
Not quite sure how to respond to such a genuinely nice comment. Are you feeling ok Michael?
Cheers
@@gcn Don't get me wrong, it's no excuse for wearing two watches like a nutcase.
Global Cycling Network i just chimed in above in the same manner before seeing McDermott comment. Frankly, Emma is excellent, Oscar is talented but you ( and I must presume your travel production team ) furnished a cracking cracking piece.
Umm, perhaps it was a Japanese production team this time?
I still miss the old boys banter but the content your putting out lately is large budget tv show quality.
Thanks Simon! Glad you're enjoying it. We certainly have a lot of fun making it!
NJS.. the holy grail of fixed gear bikes. Please show more of the bikes they are absolutely beautiful.
I thought they looked rather uninspiring. Nothing aerodynamic or shapely, super shallow rims, old-fashioned gumwall tires...looks like something you'd find abandoned in the back of someone's shed. It hurts a bit knowing they could have made everyone a good deal faster if they just updated the spec once or twice in the last several decades.
@@kevinvermeer9011 everyone has their own preferences. It's like comparing a classic sports car to a modern one. Sure you are going faster in the new car but you would be having just as much fun driving the classic. Besides, NJS is a standard to ensure fair racing so riders don't get unfair advantage in equipment. NJS also happens to have very strict quality standards which is why it is converted for fixed gear bikes.
Matt C correct, agreed.
I wanted more info about the bike. I guess I can look it up. :(
@@kevinvermeer9011 i'd really like to be polite. but please kevin... just go home.
those bikes are beautiful exactly how they are and there are reasons for that. but i don't care enough to explain them to you.
Once a month, you can ride your bike on the velodrome when bicycle association opens the track for everyone.
The pavement is quite smooth and the speed you carry is higher than outside road.
Of cause the scenery is boring, but you can concentrate on riding, So, It is fun to ride a bike there and I think you will feel like keeping riding as long as you can.
That's awesome.
@@UenoLocker54 it is like this -> th-cam.com/video/-P0-iYVg638/w-d-xo.html
You can experience keirin racing with your friends and others.
Both free and fixed gear are allowed.
And if you want, you can do 500 m and/or 1km time trial.
Anyway I want to see GCN members race keirin. it would be fun to watch
@John Thank you for your nice comment, you save people from painful misconception.
@John No need for the snark. They're clearly Japanese and aren't fluent in English. I think we might just be able to give them a break, don'tcha think?
Nice. I will ride my touring bike around it hehehehe
Thanks guys, this was genuinely interesting. Super interesting different racing culture.
Glad you liked it
Glad you enjoyed it Richard! We found it fascinating too.
@@JonCannings Probably the most interesting thing is the parallel's with horse racing....
One of the managers at my company has a brother who does Keirin racing. She described him a "human horse that people bet on".
At least he doesn't become horse meat at the end of the career. Sadly most race horses end up that way.
Ive watched that anime :)
@@lordalfa600 That doesn't sound any worse than most other ways of meat farming to me.
I do get the feeling that's how they are treated. I think it's the lack of fans that do it, so they end up objectified.
However, he probably earns more than her and has more free time to not be an object.
@@tams805sounds like women's keirin in its early years (the 2010s) when the JKA tried to market them like idols
I have been there and watched some races (without betting) and I found it interesting because they do not want anyone to be consistently the be the fastest and there is no age limit. As long as you are competitive in your given category (and there many) you can race well into your fifty's. Some of the lower categories (with higher ages) the speeds are very modest. The highest category is where you will see foreigners come in for a special event series (by invitation only).
Thats pretty interesting and indicative or Japanese culture all at once, thanks.
@GCN love this video! so glad you guys featured Japanese Keirin! Good to see my home country featured in GCN video :)
FYI, all Keirin bikes are made of steel for safety reason (steels bend, carbon/aluminum shatter and possible it could injure athletes with shattered pieces) since crash and bail is really common because of head/shoulder/elbow bumping (also to help frame builder businesses as well)
It's true. So many people in the US are still riding old made in Japan Fuji or Miyata steel bikes. I doubt many of the carbon bikes on the road today will still be around in 30 years. The thing I really like though is that the keirin bikes are still made by Japanese builders. If other countries had made similar rules for their races, maybe people in europe & the US would still be building bikes too instead of just having everything made in for them in Taiwan & China.
Those bikes are absolutely stunning. I can't even imagine how skilled the builders must be considering they've had such a long time to perfect their craft on the same frame designs rather than constantly having to move onwards to the next innovation.
A Bridgestone NJS is high on my list
This has been my favorite video from GCN in a good while. Well done, Jon. Please make more videos like this!
I love their bikes, classy threaded stems and lovely Japanese steel tubing
James Le Bas absolutely one of Keirin's main attractions!
Gorgeous, aren't they?
@@gcn Love the channel, I own a Fuji feather fixed gear myself and would love to see more fixed gear related videos👍
Will we get to see more of the racing? I own two road bikes a 91' Miyata 914 upgraded with STI shifters, and a stock bar the tires and tubes 85' Panasonic DX5000, also a 79' Miyata 1000LE touring bike. All made in Japan, exceptional build quality. Miyatas Splined Triple Butted tubing, stiffest steel tubing I have ever ridden! Fantastic stuff!
@@edwardlunn6975 Hey i have a Panasonic too DX2500 from '87 to be exact.
Thank you GCN, this probably the best of Japanese Keirin explains video ever. Very details.
Jon was so excited to get to the Keirin, he just stormed out a blood pressure test.
And Jon almost bumped his head on the low ceiling. I went to cycle in Fukuoka last month. Now that I have been cycling in Japan: I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese , I really think so.”
The fuck are you gammons talking about?
@@Le_Petomane th-cam.com/video/IWWwM2wwMww/w-d-xo.html
Those guys living together must not have a Keirin the world.
Hahaha
Boo. You're Keirin me.
This pun has to be NJS approved
good one
GAY!
GCN, basically explaining that the pound is down.....alot.
lol
or the Yen is up🤔
Which is why I’ve recently purchased most of my bike build from Sigma Sports!
@@daltonbedore8396 I think you've forgotten about brexit than. The pound is down and it won't be getting up anytime soon.
No a thousand yen is $10 usa so. 10,000 yen is $100. The a trillion is like 900 mil. Close to a billion
I LOVED this video!! Thanks for covering Japanese cycling!!
Cheers Tee!
I wish we could have seen more of the racing! Like an entire race with commentary.
th-cam.com/video/qxze08tCoCA/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for sharing the Japanese Keirin!! I am Japanese, so I know quite Keirin Track race. The Keirin is one of the best popular sport in Japan, although most Japanese don't know the Road Race. Hopefully, I look forward to creating GCN Japanese channel (like Espanol) !!
Love the cultural idiosyncrasies. I had no idea about this discipline. Fascinating
Look into Asians if you had no idea about this... They truly are the most respectful race of people, incredibly hard working, honest and smart. Ive never met a dirty or disrespectful Asian
John probably the worst way you could disprove a point ever. Try again
@John The mathematical error in assuming the personality of 4 billion people based on people you have met is just the same as assuming the criminality of them based on bad news you hear.
@John yes, that idiot did. Lol people and their sweeping statements
I loved their colour co-ordinated kit! Thanks for such enthusiastic presentation bringing interest to the video.
Great report, interesting about the NJS stamp of approval and how Campagnolo has only once managed to get a group set approved. Good to see the steel still being raced and what a sea of racing kit colours. Japan one of the best places I've visited, well worth a visit. Thanks again for another great video. Andy
Keirin is action packed and the result is settled within 5 minutes. I like watching it every now and then.
Best content as usual JC. Really fascinating and traditional sport.
Watching this again, and remembering that already the first time around I was amazed by the colour scheme of that stadium! Wes Anderson..
Didn't think this video would be something i would have liked. But i really enjoyed watching it and it was truely fascinating. Good job gcn
Glad to hear it dan!
Possibly the best video of the channel, congratulations
My pleasure. Cheers
Never seen so much durace cranks and hubs in my life
fantastic documentary vid! long overdue for gcn.
Two more things to add: The colour of that stripe on their shorts indicates level of experience. I also remember reading that they have to announce what strategy they will be using during the race, not sticking to it later is considered taboo. Weird, but think it had to do with the gambling aspect of it.
Crikey. It's a far cry from what we know as pro cycling!
I have a question:
Do they have brakes??? Because I didn't see any
I never heard about this kind of racing before today. Thanks so much for sharing!
Fantastic video as always!
This is so fascinating and awesome! As someone who is fascinated in Japan, Keirin truly amazes me! This video made me know more about the Keirin.
Thanks GCN, my subscription is really worthy, i am a Filino and i am also a cycling enthusiast, your videos are very informative and helpful, it made me more interested about cycling. Thank you so much, i hope one of your staff could visit the Philippines particularly in Cebu.
I think the outdoor track at Herne Hill that is a similar size (450m) in SE London has an all weather surface on it these days as riders were riding there in the rain when I visited the other day.
It does I regularly ride there the only thing that prevents riding is when it is icy
But there aren’t races when it’s wet only training
Fascinating. A true look into something really different. GCN keeps on coming up with great content.
Cheers Julian! We found it super interesting.
more track bike /fixed gear video 😁
shut up weeb
Why would you try to silence and insult someone in a comment section? That's just silly. Enjoy the videos and be a happy person. @@TheM4Dr1Zz
Yes please! I really enjoy fixed gear stuff
Agreed, more track content required.
For a look at the American take on Keirin racing, please consider coming to Dick Lane Velodrome in Atlanta for the annual Keirin event. Usually in May so already gone this year, but it's a rather different version with lots of fans, cheering and unique Southern US flavor. My personal favorite cycling event to watch in person, ever!
I hope you had time to visit one of the NJS frame builder's shops. Would be awesome to see one braised and hammered together in person.
I never raced in Japan, but I loved racing keirins. Back in my day, we were still physical. Nowadays, it's so mild.
Thanks for the tour.
Great vid, love Japan's Keirin racing! ❤
It's so cool, huh?
Really fantastic video. I knew so little about keirin that I didn't even know there was a whole lot to know. And now I want to go to Japan again...
thank you gcn. super interesting, a joy to watch.
Jon's best video to date. Really interesting.
More where this came from, cheers!
Great informative video! There was a lot I didn't know even though I live here in Japan. I do see the Keirin racers out on the road on occasion on their piste bikes with the obligatory front brake attached, but have never actually been to see the races. One thing I was disappointed though was the choice of BGM especially at the beginning. Yes, the kind of music used there helps to make the feel the viewer lie they are in exotic Asia, but Hollywood has been doing that for years and I think I'm not the only who's tired of it. The type of music is how the West sees us and not what we actually listen to. I don't know what would be the right type of music, but I think you could try a little harder than going to the most obvious choice. Sorry for the rant. I'm really a fan of GCN and love what you guys do. I hope you can take this as constructive criticism. Thanks.
Agreed on the music. It was a fantastic video but the first thing I noticed was the music choice.
Greetings from Germany. We know your struggle :D
should have played babymetal 🤘
But the choice of generic koto music might be to do with copyright. If they use a modern song "universal music group" kills the TH-cam video.
@@dfpguitar maybe so, but it still doesn't change how I felt. I don't think they meant any harm. They just didn't think give it much thought. Babymetal would definitely be great, but they can't use that, I'm sure there are other possibilities besides the generic koto music.
Really the music? You do realize anime, exaggerates stereotypes, yet is extremely popular. Create content, let's stop criticizing creators whom are not preaching hate.
Dang those old-school steel track bikes are gorgeous
An amazing incite into such a different culture. Michael Palin would be proud of this Jon.
I've always wondered about Keirin so I appreciated this very informative segment. Hope you guys had fun in Japan. Keep up the great work!
Quality video. I could tell you were genuinely interested in Keirin.
Fascinating stuff. Been to Japan twice, on tour playing gigs but never got a chance to see Keirin racing in the flesh. I hope to see it one day...
I absolutely loved it ! Great video ! More Fixed Gear / Track cycling content please :)
Thanks so much for the awesome video. Always wanted to know more about keirin since koichi nakano used to rule the professional Sprint world championships.
"What Keirin is all about?"
Gambling!
Absolutely fascinating. One of the best GCN videos.
It's always a treat to see some steel. I'm off to tesco's on one of my steels to celebrate. The heavy one I think. Not a scrap of cf on it at all. Let's get the Beersin for the Keirin; good honest steelist's.
sandydenny lives agree! Bout a year ago I decided to try aluminum just... because I make lots of poor decisions in my life and (I guess) I thought: “hey I haven’t extended my line of thinking towards bikes yet” ...
Miss my steel baby. Going to eventually get back, when I can find an excuse to justify the frame/fork purchase.
Super interesting! Hope your visit there has footage enough for several more videos. Left me hungry for more - more on the bikes, more on the structure/strategy of the race, interview with current/former riders. Whole new universe!
That was great - getting to know about Keirin racing...!
Great. No idea about any of this.... Fun to see how much Jon enjoyed it. Great insight & access.
That's a great video, thanks GCN.
It would great to learn whether there is any difference in training for track vs Keirin athletes.
Lookup up "Keirin school" which is isolated training program that the riders have to attend. For example they do hill reps on a super steep "wall".
Really enjoyed the show. Grew up watching track racing in Kenosha Wisconsin USA.
Sir, you are the NEW Matt Stephens of GCN. The others are good, but you are professional reporter.
Except :
1. What was the hand waving about 'ju jitzu'? Very unnecessary, irritating and unprofessional - keep hands still or in pockets!
2. Vocally untrained takes much too long to get to and make a point. . . . . .
3. Why does the lens focus unnecessarily and lengthily on the speaker - we can hear what he says. The camera should be used more fruitfully . . . . as has been pointed out several times.
4. 'Without' cycling footage, why was this video not made in Europe?
Conclusion - 'Very amateurish production. IMHO.
Peter Roberts I find that the hand movement was better than staying still or having hands in pocket. This channel in general has a more natural flow rather than stiff movements of staying still and hands in pockets
It's not "KAREN".... It's Keirin... (kay-rin). Sorry, but after 20 years of living and cycling here I just had to say. That said, so glad you introduced this. Next is to show the amazing roads that Japan has to offer. Happy to take you on a ride. Check out Gunma Prefecture and the mountains.
Great video, Jon!
This was one of the best uploads in ages.
Nice informative video, but I would've liked to have seen some more racing action. It's like, you wait 'til the end of the video for the race and all you get is 10 seconds?
This was my favorite GCN story of 2018. A fascinating look into the world of Keirin racing.
Brilliant reporting! Thank you!
Thanks
those simple steel bikes are BEAUTIFUL! museum worthy
Great video Jon.
Thanks
Theo Bos even went to Japan for several years to compete in the Japanese Keirin. He said that is was a big part in his overall succes.
The Japanese Keirin culture is so fascinating! Great video. There are also really nice documentaries about Keirin racing with Shane Perkins, Francois Pervis and some more on TH-cam. I highly recommend watching this as well. :-)
Thanks for the tips, will check them out.
Thanks for providing this insight into Keirin racing. Another great video.
Did it ever occur to you to actually show the RACING? Would have been nice to see.
I went to the same place and had the exact same reaction... so different from what I expected...thanks for bringing back the memories and explaining some of what is happening inside
Gutted you never showed us an example race - or at least some finishing laps. I really wanted to know how one "looked".........
I've seen a documentary about Theo Bos doing keirin racing in Japan in the off season. There are a handful of extremely detailed race strategy plans, and the riders have to announce up front which tactic they will use. To assist the betters.
Maybe the documentary is on TH-cam somewhere
Just looked it up, apparently he didn't race there between 2012 and 2016, and went back for a short race season in 2016 and 2017. Loads of videos if you search for 'Theo bos keirin Japan'
He must be making good money over there. In the documentary he appeared on Japanese television game shows and became somewhat of a minor celebrity
Thanks for the tip, will check it out.
2 watches? playing it safe, eh? great program, though!
Possibly to track two time zones?
@daAnder71 it does though, at 14:17 it shows 13.16
the Japanese truly are amazing. I awe at there modesty, uphold of tradition, and their simplistic way of life.
they look like horse racers
Or greyhounds with the pace rider ( akin to the rabbit which runs in the dog race ).
@@willeigo8468 haha true
The part of the tales I learned is that Keirin is actually designed to be "a horse race" when the economy is struggling and real horses are difficult to come by. Not sure if I heard the Japanese old man correctly, but this sounds likely.
Chawanat Nakasan - I’ve also heard that the Japanese government funded the construction of a lot of the velodromes as work projects to help the economy, but in order to make the project worthwhile, they needed to create a larger source of income than what the European velodromes make. So the “sport” of Kierin was created to bring in consistent gambling money.
I actually like human race than animal race because I love human cruelty
Thank you! An excellent look into the world of Keirin. Too bad you didn't have time to check out the whole cycling scene in Japan -- it's AMAZING!
Now i feel like building up a track bike again..
Yes! Do it.
I had heard of keirin racing back in the 1970s but couldn't see any until the advent of TH-cam. Thanks for covering the topic.
Make sure it's NJS approved
Ha ha I think that we should just have a series of videos where Jon just goes and visits Velodromes and gives us a tour around them during a big track meet! This was a really cracking video and a big thank you to Jon for doing it. I found it hugely fascinating to see how things work with the Keirin racing there in Japan... sounds like quite a lonely life if your stuck in the velodrome for 6 days during the competition but I guess it beats working at Sea! Really interesting tracks which they are racing on as well, sounds like more like the surface of a running track instead of that of a velodrome. I don't that that Jonny tech is gonna find much new tech there but very interesting to see how they do have things all very regimented. Once again really great video guys! loved it! Thank you!
Hi John. Glad you liked it and I would love to visit more velodromes. It's my natural habitat
Jon Cannings, Come down to the Sydney Christmas (track) Carnivals. Five days of track racing at four different velodromes (in Sydney of course). 27-31 December. Lots of fun and usually it’s hot hot hot!
@@marktatarinoff7372 sounds good to me
Jon, here’s some basic info on the series, just in case GCN sends you :) www.rawtrack.com.au/index.php/topic,987.0.html
Basically human greyhound racing.
Better than forcing Dogs or Horses to it I suppose...
I mean.... couldn’t you say that about most racing?
Maybe not car racing I guess.
Although I would certainly pay to see dogs driving race cars
Somewhat I supppose.
Incredibly different than US Velodrome racing which my children & I participated in !
My son qualified in Velodrome racing in 2015 for the US Olympic Trials - so we know the sport well.
Our US Athletes in Track cycling are truly self funded amateurs whereas the Japanese have morphed this into a professional sport / business.
Nothing wrong at all about that just very different model despite the other similarities they share.
Thanks GCN for showing us Keirin Racing !
Lol. %100
Big thumbs up, thanks. I would have liked to see more of the bikes. Cheers from MTL
I want this in Kentucky instead of horse racing.
It looks much the same as the action at Churchill Downs--except with bicycles instead of horses. It kind of had the feeling of OTB on Saturdays.
thats cool you guys chose this topic , i had completely forget about this form of racing id seen in magazines decades ago .
I was dying to see one race, and you actually managed to talk 20 minutes about it, without showing one? Dude you screwed it!
th-cam.com/video/qxze08tCoCA/w-d-xo.html
Such a great episode. I've always been curious about Keirin racing. Thank you GCN.
Anemometer measures wind speed👍🚵😀
Thanks for clearing that one up Peter!
Excellent video! This is truly fascinating to someone who loves cycling, such as myself, and was previously unaware of Keirin's existence. The research of the presenter and the "behind the scenes" footage show an attention to detail that is, if I may say, very appropriate to the subject matter and the culture in which it is based. Top quality. Thank you!
I'ts the 'Sumo' of the Japanese bicycle scene, judging by the looks of some of the riders.
They are mostly sprinters after all.
Great show guys, you just keep getting better
Can you make more track cycling videos please
Really good insight on this steeped in tradition type of racing! Will check out a live race in future:)
ohh just passed by tachikawa's keirinjou yesterday! can't believe GCN is in Japan. Would have loved to see you in person. Hope you're having fun. You can make a vid on cycling abroad, and how Japanese roads suck as they're super slim and truck drivers are homicidal. Seriously though, until relatively recently it was illegal for bicycles to ride in the open road, and many old people haven't had their laws updated and start fighting very often.
It sounds like you ride in urban areas only? I know the Kanto area is very crowded and I would not enjoy riding in those urban areas either. Yes the roads are narrow, however, in the vast majority of the country, there is very little traffic in the countryside, especially in the mountains. BTW, Japan is 80% mountains. For myself, I can ride over 160 km from Kyoto to the Japan Sea and back and have no more than a dozen cars come past. Go explore a little more and I think you may find one of the best places in the world for road cycling.
Vincent Flanagan I’m with you on this one. I live in Tochigi prefecture and have virtually no issues with roads or “homicidal” truck drivers. There are amazing paved trails along many of the rivers. There are also thousands of dedicated bike trails throughout the country. Once you hit the mountains, it’s easy to find seldom-used utility roads. I love cycling here.
@@vincentflanagan198 ahh it's nice you guys are enjoying the country side. Yeah, I live in Tokyo, and it's my main cycling area. I've actually gone from Tokyo to Osaka by bicycle a couple of times too (around 450km). And sometimes go to Saitama/Gunma (around 150km) too. All those roads, full of homicidal truck drivers lol. In the city, homicidal car drivers (especially taxis) too. It's true there are some very nice places to cycle too. I get my dozen of cycling magazines too, and have been to some. But that's certainly not what I see every day commuting or cycling for the sport (even when I want to go to the country side, I'd rather cycle there). The roads are supposed to be open for cyclists, but still like 80% of cyclists I see daily, not real cyclist but rather every day commuters and/or moms picking up their kids, don't use the road as cars are super close and all, and use the sidewalk instead. Not even the police follows the law most of the time. So yes, I've had some bad experiences with cars. No accidents yet, but I can't say the same about many of my friends who respected the law and ended up in the hospital. In Tokyo most "real" cyclists end up just cycling by the river... Anyway, I think I've done my share of exploring. Please explore some too and you'll see some of the trucks I've told you about ;) You can search in youtube for things like '環八 自転車" (the road I use to commute sometimes! but would rather not...) and see the Japan you apparently don't know.
@@storyandsoundscape8859 good for you man. Yeah, I've lived in Gunma (next to Tochigi), and I remember it being very quiet too, mostly. I guess you could say everywhere is nice in the country side, and cycling sucks in general in the metropolitan area? as I told Vincent above, th-cam.com/video/-u-kO6QSzn4/w-d-xo.html this is kind of more what I see daily...
I lived in Japan for 13 years . In many areas, Kanagawa, Aomori, on the island of kyushu, and okinawa. I have found japan to be one of the most safe place in the world to ride . the laws since the 1975 till 1994 when I moved back to the states was to protect the cyclist. I have found that if you are hit by a car in japan that the car is 100% found at fault. But if you are in a car accident while in a car the percentage of who is at fault is divided but all involved in the accident .. I had a friend that hit a parked truck one night and the truck driver was found to be 15% liable to causing the accident, japan sees it as if your truck was not there then the accident never would had happened.
Living in Japan, I would often times see these guys training by attaching a weighted tire to a rope and dragging it for however long! Great video GCN.