The
Keirin
Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Great Britain is doing extremely well in the Velodrome.
The
Keirin is a fascinating discipline. It is led out by a man on a derny – a motorised
bike. He gradually increases speed until he reaches 45 kmh/28mph then peels off
and the race proper starts.
The man on the derny is sombrely dressed in black and rides
the bike in what I can only describe as a ‘country manner’ – legs widespread.
He is very serious about his task, a true professional, but I think a string of
onions round his neck would complete his Gallic image. The photos below, taken from the television screen, are not good quality.
We saw that race yesterday and my sister was astonished and didn't understand why they started out following the man. We saw Britain win the gold medal the other day with 4 men on bikes - Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your gold. I've never even heard of the Keirin.
ReplyDeleteWell that explains it. My husband and I wondered about the guy in black. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteI had previously never heard of that sport. Yes, the man in black looks very serious about his job!
ReplyDeleteAh very nice. Congratulations. NZ is doing really well in rowing
ReplyDeleteAh very nice. Congratulations. NZ is doing really well in rowing
ReplyDeleteI have ridden behind a derny. Over six decades ago, but I swear it was the same guy!
ReplyDeleteThat's a fascinating event.
ReplyDeleteThe sound of "God Save the Queen" in the velodrome doesn't get old! Wonderful results for Team GB
I've never heard of the Keirin either. I enjoyed this post Janice, thank you. Congratulations on the gold.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that. Not good at detail am I
ReplyDeleteThe Olympics are going so well. I think you just taught me a new word: keirin. :)
ReplyDeleteNow I understand your Twitter comment.
ReplyDeleteHi Janice .. just trying to catch up - love this post and those pics - your description of the onion seller rings so true - now I'll always see him with a string of onions or garlic around him.
ReplyDeleteWe've done well I'm delighted to say .. cheers Hilary