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 won the women’s race, with Harrie Lavreysen made to fight for the win in the men’s competition.
But there was disappointment for Mathilde Gros, disqualified in the women’s final; and Joe 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.
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.
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.
Winners’ comments
Ellesse Andrews:
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:
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!
