Keirin: Everything you need to know about the Tokyo 2020 Olympic keirin event

What is the keirin track event and how does it work?

The keirin at the Rio 2016 Olympics
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The keirin is one of the more unique events of the Olympic cycling line-up, and returns to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, taking place between August 4 and August 8.

Tokyo 2020 cycling: What is the keirin?

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Richard Windsor

Follow on Twitter: @richwindy


Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.


An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).