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"Mister Keirin" overshadowed by Japan's judo stars
SYDNEY, Sept 12 (AFP) - Japan's millionaire "keirin" cyclists admit they are overshadowed by compatriot judo stars at the Sydney Games where their Japanese-born sport for punters makes its Olympic debut. "We are professionals. But judging from the way television and mass media treat us, judo competitors are seen in the brighter spotlight," Japan's top keirin rider Yuichiro Kamiyama said Tuesday. "Even I get excited myself when I see them coming my way," said the 32-year-old man, nicknamed "Mister Keirin," who has for three years been the top money earner among some 4,000 registered keirin races in Japan. He has collected nearly 1.6 billion yen (15 million dollars) since his debut in 1988. "We share the same tower with the judo team at the Athletes Village. But I feel like a groupie myself when I see them," said Narihiro Inamura, 28, Kamiyama's younger team mate. Japan heavily rely on judo, a strictly amateur sport, for much of their Olympic gold medal hauls. At the 1996 Atlanta Games, Japan won three golds, all in judo. The country's keirin authority allowed top stars to have a break for several weeks, a move to polish the sport's image which has been long associated with low-life gambling. "They have been working out for the Olympics for more than a month despite the keirin tour at home. I feel that they have medals within their reach by now," said Japan's cycling team leader Kiyotaka Fujimoto. Keirin is a high-speed event often compared to a roller derby in terms of excitement and, sometimes, gamesmanship. Several cyclists battle for position behind a pacer before a final free-for-all sprint. The muscle-bound Kamiyama - 1.80m (six feet), 85kg (187 pound) - has only one gold medal in his cupboard, the 1998 Asian Games sprint title. In world-class events, he finished second in the sprint at the 1998 world championships. Kamiyama competed in the Atlanta Games sprint but bowed out in the consolation round. "I have raced in keirin for 12 years at home so there is nothing much I can do now. I will focus on the sprint which will be held before keirin," Kamiyama said. Although keirin has been included in the world championships since 1980, Japan has triumphed only once - in 1987 through Harumi Honda. Shiinchi Ota became the first Japanese to win the keirin World Cup in September last year. A big difference has developed between the original keirin and its world-wide offspring. Japanese pros battle over a track, 333-500 meters (1,100-1,650 feet) long. But the international keirin is fought on a short oval, mostly 250 meters (825 feet) long, with steeper banks and shorter straights. In Japan, racers from the same age groups or home provinces often team up to form "lines" to block others. It is not seen abroad. "The Sydney Games are significant in that keirin is formally introduced. I believe the Japanese can show their mettle," said the team leader.
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