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Why is keirin racing especially popular in Japan?
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cycling
Individual Neutral Athlete Gleb Syritsa, a Russian passport holder, cycling past Les Invalides during the men's road cycling individual time trial at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Keirin racing is especially popular in Japan primarily because betting on the outcome of these events is legal, functioning similarly to horse or dog racing.1
This unique status as a regulated gambling sport has helped establish a professional circuit that attracts international track stars, who participate both for the competitive experience and for the professional salary. As a form of motor-paced race, it remains a distinct and significant fixture within the broader landscape of cycling competition.1