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epa13006134 Harrie Lavreysen of the Netherlands, who will compete in the upcoming 2026 Keirin World Series, smiles after a training session at the Japan Institute of Keirin (JIK) in Izu, Shizuoka prefecture, southwest of Tokyo, Japan, 28 May 2026 (issued 31 May 2026). Keirin bicycle racing originated in post-war Japan as a state-authorized public gambling sport created to support local municipalities after World War II. The inaugural race was held at Kokura Keirin Stadium in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1948, and since then, Keirin has remained one of Japan’s core public sports. At the Japan Institute of Keirin (JIK), candidates undergo 10 months of strict training and disciplined communal living, learning not only the tactical skills and physical knowledge required for track racing but also the character and social etiquette expected of professionals. Upon completing the curriculum and passing the Keirin athlete certification examination, graduates receive national credentials allowing them to register as professional athletes. On the international stage, Keirin was introduced at the UCI Cycling World Championships in the 1980s. It made its Olympic debut in the men’s category at the 2000 Sydney Games, with the women’s event added in 2012. In March 2026, the UCI and JKA announced the return of the Keirin World Series after a seven-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Six elite international cyclists are currently training at the JIK ahead of the 2026 series, which will be held at 10 locations across Japan from June to August. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON ATTENTION: This Image is part of a PHOTO SET

Wielrennen Vandaag, 13:43

Lavreysen verovert als eerste vijfde wereldkampioenschap op keirin

MAASTRICHT - Warren Barguil (Team Picnic PostNL) tijdens de ploegenpresentatie voorafgaand aan de start van de Amstel Gold Race 2026 in Maastricht. VINCENT JANNINK / ANP

Wielrennen Vandaag, 13:13

KNWU bezorgd over mogelijke angstcultuur bij wielerploeg Picnic PostNL

APELDOORN - Hetty van de Wouw voor de start van het onderdeel tijdrit tijdens de tweede dag van de Nederlandse Kampioenschappen baanwielrennen in Omnisport Apeldoorn. ANP VINCENT JANNINK

Wielrennen Vandaag, 12:42

Baanwielrenster Hetty van de Wouw verliest wereldtitel sprint

Wielrennen Vandaag, 13:43

Lavreysen verovert als eerste vijfde wereldkampioenschap op keirin
Wielrennen Vandaag, 13:13

KNWU bezorgd over mogelijke angstcultuur bij wielerploeg Picnic PostNL
Wielrennen Vandaag, 12:42

Baanwielrenster Hetty van de Wouw verliest wereldtitel sprint