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Track Cycling – Fun Q&A

Interesting track cycling information – take a look!

The Chinese media refers to Keirin by two different names. Which one is correct?
Actually, this event originated in Japan and is known as ケイリン, which is translated in English as Keirin. In Chinese, however, it is called either by its Japanese name or by its English translation, that’s why there are the two different names!

Why is a motorcycle in the lead during the track cycling competition and the competing cyclists obediently follow it?
In general, sprint events emphasise acceleration, so motorcycles are used as lures, to help set a strong pace right from the beginning. Women can accelerate from 25 to 45 km/hr, while men can accelerate from 30 to 50 km/hr. Starting from this speed, the pace of the race will be faster and more exciting. After the motorcycle leaves the track, the cyclists still have two-and-a-half laps to race, and then it is a test of the cyclists’ tactics to determine the outcome.

Track cyclists seem to be able to float up the wall of the velodrome – why is that?
Athletes don’t know how to float, but they do know how to use the centrifugal force of the bowl-shaped velodrome to maintain their speed, and watching them, they seem to float. Usually, male professional sprint event cyclists generate the equivalent of three horsepower, while women can generate around two horsepower, which is similar to the horsepower of a car!

Now watch as former Hong Kong team coach Dorming Chau explains one of Hong Kong’s strongest sport – track cycling!

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