# Lavreysen and Andrews overall winners as foreign riders return to Japanese keirin

*By Simon | June 5, 2026*

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![Screenshot](https://globalkeirin.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/kwswinners.jpg)

## 󠀁[Lavreysen and Andrews overall winners as foreign riders return to Japanese keirin](https://globalkeirin.com/2026/06/lavreysen-and-andrews-overall-winners-as-foreign-riders-return-to-japanese-keirin/)󠁿

5 June 2026

International guest riders took the wins in the main men’s and women’s races as
the first event in Japan’s Keirin World Series drew to a close in Hofu.

[Ellesse Andrews](https://globalkeirin.com/rider/ellesse-andrews/) won the
women’s race, with
[Harrie Lavreysen](https://globalkeirin.com/rider/harrie-lavreysen/) made to
fight for the win in the men’s competition.

But there was disappointment for
[Mathilde Gros](https://globalkeirin.com/rider/mathilde-gros/), disqualified in
the women’s final; and
[Joe Truman](https://globalkeirin.com/rider/joseph-truman/), who finished
halfway down the field in what was effectively a men’s B final.

## Men’s final

In the men’s top race, Lavreysen 4 was fourth as they rolled off the line, but
in keeping with the pre-race disclosure of tactics, he soon placed himself
directly behind the pacer, just ahead of his collaborator Nitta Yudai 3.

As racing got properly underway, he was passed by a line of three riders from
the back, then another pair – and suddenly, the world champion found himself
towards the back.

Then, as he did the previous day, Lavreysen turned on the power just as the bell
began to ring, with a lap and a half left. He entered the last lap on the front,
with Yudai still sat on his wheel.

The Dutchman seemed to be tiring as he entered the home straight; and Yudai made
his move, pulling alongside the foreign guest, and threatening to steal his
glory. But Lavreysen held on, to win by an official measure of 3/4 of a wheel.

[https://wm.st.keirin.jp/wm-keirin63/20260605-63-02-11-01-00.mp4](https://wm.st.keirin.jp/wm-keirin63/20260605-63-02-11-01-00.mp4)

## Women’s final

In the women’s final, Gros 2 positioned herself at the back of the line, and was
first to attack as the pacer exited, snatching the lead as they entered the
final lap with Andrews 3 making rapid progress up the outside.

The New Zealander dropped into the line in second, still with a gap to close on
Gros; but she moved up and around the French woman as they came around the final
bend, to finish three lengths ahead.

[https://wm.st.keirin.jp/wm-keirin63/20260605-63-02-10-01-00.mp4](https://wm.st.keirin.jp/wm-keirin63/20260605-63-02-10-01-00.mp4)

But when the result was published: Gros had been disqualified for cutting too
sharply in front of the leading rider, giving second place to Yoshioka Shiori 6,
with Uta Kume 1 third.

![Screenshot](https://globalkeirin.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/gros-dq.jpg)

_YouTube_

## Winners’ comments

**Ellesse Andrews:**

![Screenshot](https://globalkeirin.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/ellesse-int.jpg)

_Screenshot_

_Arigatōgozaimasu_! I had a really great three days racing here. It was my first
keirin race ever here in Hofu, so I was very excited, and I’m really happy to be
going away with the win.

I know there are lots of strong riders in the field, so for me, I was just being
mindful of where they were in the race, and making sure that when I decided that
it was my time to go, I was going with 100% for the sprint.

I had a strong rider in front of me, and I had a strong rider behind me, so for
me, I was just going 100% and hoping that I could hold on for the win. So I was
really happy that I was able to do that.

I am very happy that I was able to win my first tournament. I’m just really
excited to be here in Japan. I have had a great time, this was an amazing first
race, so I am really excited for the rest of my races. Thank you so much for the
support.

**Harrie Lavreysen:**

![Screenshot](https://globalkeirin.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/harrie-int.jpg)

_Screenshot_

_Arigatōgozaimasu_! I really enjoyed my first Japanese keirin race in Hofu. I
really liked the track, how smooth it was, I think the best outdoor track I have
ever ridden. So I’m really happy I could do my first race here.

Nitta (Yudai) is an old friend of mine. I raced with him in UCI races in the
past, so he was actually the only rider I already know for 10 years. I was happy
he was in my line. I hoped some other riders would do a long _senko_ (early
attack), and I could go with one and a half laps to go, 500 metres. I thought –
ok, if I can get in the front, I hoped I could make it to the finish line. And I
was really happy I could.

I think all the three days went pretty good. And I feel pretty strong. Every day
I get to feel a bit better on the bike, because the bike is still new for me.
But I get used to it, and I felt ready for today.

Everyone who came out today, thank you very much, to see my first Japanese
keirin win. I’m really happy to share with you, the Japanese fans. I hope a lot
of people will watch me the rest of the summer, and I hope to do some great
races. _Arigatōgozaimasu_!

**Categories:** Original
**Tags:** japan, keirinworldseries