Then there’s mechanics, technique, and practical stuff with mock races. We even practised crashing, as there are rules for that too.’įrom their cycling accessories, gear bag to the kit and toe straps - the keirin riders are uniform in their appearance and training. This is just the theory-based side of what they learn, Australian Shane Kelly, an Olympic bronze medalist in the keirin and seasoned veteran of the Japanese velodrome circuit, reveals. ‘For the Japanese guys it’s pretty full-on,’ he says regarding the monastic boarding students. ‘They have a 6.30 am roll call, followed by drills and chores before breakfast, then a whole day of various forms of training.’ Hill climb efforts and exercises on the track precede lunch, followed by classroom work, a roller session, and simulation races in the afternoon.
‘They then have dinner and another roll call at 10 pm before lights out.
