| The word for this originally Japanese sport, pronounced "kay-rin," is a combination of two characters literally meaning "racing wheels." Keirin has been officially adopted as an international event, including a spot in the Olympics. In the Japanese version, riders follow in the wake of a pacer on track racing bike, while in the international version a motorized bicycle known as a derney is used to pace the riders. Up to eight riders race at a time. Riders pursue the derney in a pack and then sprint in the final lap in attempt to cross the finish line before the others. |
| Start | 45 km/h | 35 km/h |
| When the derney traveling at 25 km/h crosses the center line in the sprinter's lane, the number one rider chosen by drawing lots starts pursing it in the lead position. | Up to the last 600 m of a 2,000 m race, the pacer rides at speeds up to 45 km/h, and then at the remaining 600 m point, they leave the track. | The derney starts at 25 km/h, but later speeds up to 35 km/h as it laps around the track. During this time, riders absolutely must not pass the pacer. |
| Final Sprint | Motorized Bicycle or Derney Used by Pacer | |
| The derney leaves the race at this point. The lead rider is suddenly subjected to wind resistance, and jockeying for position unfolds as all the racers try to get the best position as they sprint the last 200 m to the finish line. |  | |
