Keirin - the most exciting cycling race ever

Montano Velo Keirin
This Japanese version of the Motorpace, which is subject to parimutuel betting over there, has become very popular in the US, although, so far, without the betting. Keirin races, in which all the riders on the track jockey for position behind a single motorbike, sometimes most closely resemble the "Roller Derby" of old, with riders jostling and jabbing each other with elbows to get into the "sweet spot" behind the motorcycle. Then, just before the last lap, the motorbike pulls off the track, and the riders sprint madly to the line.



Our longtime Hellyer faithful Peter Bohl on the motorbike usually takes them from about 18-20 mph and up to nearly 30-33 mph before taking off. As a result, the sprinters end the race at 40+ mph with huge gears.



Keirin is not only fun but extremely dangerous with a lot of jostling and battling for position. Travis Smith, a Canadian of Momentum Cycling team, one of the world's best keirin racers before his crash suffered a near career ending injury (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUXYn9K4FdY&feature=related). Since then Travis has had 2 surgeries and will be attending American Velodrome Challenge as a spectator. Be sure to introduce yourself to him at the Beer Garden with Mike's Hard Lemonade or Testarossa wine, He loves them and will talk up a storm with you!


Another crash of a keirin race: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jbq7UxupeA


















This also causes tempers to flare - check this keirin carnage at T-town. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGnLDr6jRSI&feature=related




It's explosive, fun and exciting. All of this happens on Friday the June 20th.




Who to watch......

Adam Duvendeck - Former US National Keirin Champion who ran away from a team of Spike racers to win the highly coveted US jersey. Put him in any keirin, he's always a threat for the overall victory with his long term power.







Giovanni Rey - Registering 164 RPM (75 kph - 47 mph) behind a motorcycle in a training session, He's a clear threat to the overall victory and hoping to take back the top honors back to Bay Area. The only threat to his overall speed is his mother who's extremely uncomfortable with him going fast. He brings his top 2 riders from Montano Velo Track Team to try and defeat Adam Duvendeck. They will be..........





Mario Sandoval - Member of the strong Montano Velo Track Team. Loves Keirin and has an explosive jump. Likes to arrive at the Velodrome in his pants only to switch to his all white skinsuit just to stand out in the crowd.















Matias Elgart - Another member of the Montano Velo Track Team who's seen behind Jeff Solt's motorcycle for the past 3 weeks building up his speed for the American Velodrome Challenge. Looks very calm and collected but gets into a huge rage in the Keirin races.





Jimmy Watkins - super fast racer from Los Angeles who recently upset Adam Duvendeck in a race down in Los Angeles. A newcomer to the sport but brings tremendous amount of power. Could surprise Duvendeck once again.









Giddeon Massie - A member of the 2008 Olympic Team Sprint for USA. Current U.S. National Keirin Champion















Others to watch:


Kevin Schiller - Comes from San Diego and is poised to get into the finals.


Nicholas Harter - Local sprinter racing for the Pensinula Velo. Has always given other sprinters hard time.


Kelyn Akuna - Figures to be in finals and will battle for the top honors.


Probables:
Eugene Chacherie, Steve Palaez, Kenny Williams.