# Top Japanese keirin pro tests positive for steroids

*By Simon | February 21, 2025*

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![Screenshot](https://globalkeirin.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/kitai-cup.jpg)

## 󠀁[Top Japanese keirin pro tests positive for steroids](https://globalkeirin.com/2025/02/top-japanese-keirin-pro-tests-positive-for-steroids/)󠁿

21 February 2025

Yuki Kitai, a 35-year-old former footballer, has reportedly become the first
rider from the Japanese keirin circuit’s very highest rank to test positive for
doping.

Kitai switched to cycling in May 2021 after a 9-year soccer career spent mostly
in the country’s lower J2 and J3 leagues. He moved swiftly up the ranks, and
took the biggest win of his career so far in June 2024, winning the G1-level
Takamatsunomiya Memorial Cup at Kishiwada.

![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/OCm_w6lXWBg/maxresdefault.jpg)

_Kitai 9 crosses the line first, before crashing to the ground_

That G1 success earned him a place at the year-end
[Keirin Grand Prix](https://globalkeirin.com/2024/12/kosho-smashes-keirin-earnings-record-with-second-grand-prix-success/)
– where he was dope-tested, and would be found to have metabolites of the banned
anabolic androgenic steroid methandienone. He went on to finish ninth – last –
in the big race, the following day.

It is reported to be the first time that a doping violation has been found in
the elite SS group of 9 top riders.

In a
[statement posted on the organisation’s website](https://www.keirin-autorace.or.jp/NEWS/20250220.html)
, the chairman of the JKA, Hiroshi Kido said (via translation): ‘It is truly
regrettable that a prohibited substance was detected in a top athlete this time,
and we apologise for the inconvenience and concern this has caused to our
customers and everyone involved in bicycle racing. In order to live up to
everyone’s trust, we will continue to educate our athletes and make
industry-wide efforts to prevent recurrence.’

No announcement has yet been made about possible sanctions.

**Categories:** Original