Japan born bicycle racing 78 years old today

Did you know that bicycle racing started in Japan? I didn't until to today! And the reason that came to light is because today, November 20th, is the 78th anniversary of the very first bicycle race in the world. It is called "keirin" in Japan and it is a public sport. It is also an Olympic sport.

Professional bicycle racing started in Japan in 1948 with the creation of Keirin, a track cycling discipline that was designed as a betting sport. The first official Keirin race was held at the Kokura Velodrome, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. The Japan Keirin Autorace Foundation (JKA), the only bicycle racing association in Japan, supervises Keirin which is operated under the Bicycle Racing Act and overseen by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Have you ever been to see a "keirin" bicycle race? There is a velodrome in Saitama City where you can watch races live, but they also organize several other events during the year. Do you have a velodrome in your prefecture?