Yesterday at 1:58 PM • Edited yesterday at 3:38 PM
Harrie Lavreysen made an impression in Japan by winning a traditional keirin competition. He describes the competition as a ‘mega cool experience’. The 29-year-old track cyclist from Luyksgestel managed to fight his way to the final through the preliminary round and semi-finals and was the strongest there, in a completely different racing environment for him. “Precisely because it was so different from what I normally do, I learned a lot from it.”
Lavreysen had long wanted to participate in prestigious keirin competitions in Japan. In keirin, track cyclists start behind a derny (motorcycle), after which they sprint against each other once the derny has left the track.
The rules in Japan are different than Lavreysen was used to. For example, the bicycle is made entirely of steel, the helmets are larger, the track cyclists ride with maximum resistance and the competitions are in the open air. To be up to date on everything, he took a keirin course in Japan earlier this year. “All these factors ensure that the differences between the riders become smaller and that it comes down much more to tactics and race insight.”
“Special focus on the match.”
He also had to get used to the fact that he had to hand in his phone on match days, a rule to prevent match fixing. “It was unique to be largely closed off from the outside world. That made it very different from what I am used to and gave a special focus on the competition.”
In Japan, Lavreysen rode very well and qualified for the final after the preliminary round and semi-final. He was also the fastest in that. “Everything went very well. In the final I had a hard time with two very strong riders. Fortunately I was able to come up with a good tactic beforehand and I was able to take the lead at the right time.”
Lavreysen will be in the Netherlands for the next two weeks and will then leave for Los Angeles for a reconnaissance trip towards the 2028 Olympic Games. He will then travel again to Japan where he will stay for two months and participate in six tournaments. In October he will go for the main prize during the World Cup in China. “My feeling is very positive and I am already looking forward to the next matches. It will be a busy but wonderful period.”
