DerbyWheel is the successor initiative to IceDerby, a plan by the same Korean investors to transform the sport of speed skating, by offering game-changing prize money fuelled by gambling receipts.

IceDerby faced opposition from the sport’s governing body, which ultimately ended up in a case before the Court of Justice of the European Union. In a decision which could yet have implications for DerbyWheel, the court ruled that the International Skating Union could not ban athletes who participated in unsanctioned events.

IceDerby held a successful test event in February 2020, under ISU supervision; but the competition’s progress was halted by the pandemic.

So, given these connections, Global Keirin notes with considerable interest the recent launch of speed skating’s new Short Track World Tour – organised, not opposed, by the ISU themselves.

The series has six three-day meetings, running Friday to Sunday, starting in October and finishing in February. Skaters compete in national colours, for teams like Dutch Lions, British Royals, and Australian Racing Roos.

The opening two rounds took place in Montreal: the second round had been scheduled for Salt Lake City, but was moved when new safety padding at the venue was delayed. Subsequent rounds will take place in Beijing, Seoul, Tilburg and Milan.

Competition in Montreal was streamed live on YouTube, receiving up to 40,000 views, and was also covered on the digital platform of national broadcaster CBC. The ISU produced extracts and highlights videos, jostling for attention in their YouTube account with dance performances from the Skate Canada International and Grand Prix de France.

It’s fascinating to see how skating’s governing body has reacted to the threat of new external competition – or perhaps, more charitably, the demonstration of an appetite for such an event among its athletes – by taking the initiative, and launching something themselves. But the prize money doesn’t seem to be game-changing, from what we can find online; and Icederby themselves seem to have been frozen out.

We imagine the UCI, facing a similar challenge from the same source, will be watching the development of this series with interest.