The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the Japan Keirin Autorace Foundation (JKA) today announce the names of the six international track cycling athletes (three men and three women) who will compete in some of Japan’s most prestigious keirin events in 2026.
The announcement comes after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the UCI and JKA allowing the return of international athletes to the Japanese circuit and reinstating a framework that existed prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This return will take place under strict conditions relating to sporting integrity – including competition manipulation and anti-doping – as well as ensuring that there is no conflict between the Japanese events and major track events on the UCI International Calendar. The agreement reflects the shared objective of the UCI and the JKA to promote athletes and enhance the visibility of track cycling.
The international pool of athletes that will be represented at the events on the Japanese circuit is as follows:
Women
Ellesse Andrews (NZL)
Hetty van de Wouw (NED)
Mathilde Gros (FRA).
Men
Harrie Lavreysen (NED)
Matthew Richardson (GBR)
Joseph Truman (GBR).
The Japanese circuit events in which the participation of the athletes is authorised is as follows:
2026 Keirin World Series (Class F1)
3-5 June 2026: Hofu Keirin Velodrome
26-28 June 2026: Kokura Keirin Velodrome
3-5 July 2026: Aomori Keirin Velodrome
10-12 July 2026: Ito Onsen Keirin Velodrome
20-22 July 2026: Kishiwada Keirin Velodrome
27-29 July 2026: Tachikawa Keirin Velodrome
17-19 August 2026: Yokkaichi Keirin Velodrome
24-26 August 2026: Gifu Keirin Velodrome
30 August-1 September 2026: Kawasaki Keirin Velodrome.
World Cyclist Fund Keirin (Class GIII)
6-9 August 2026: Wakayama Keirin Velodrome.