IZU, Japan, Aug 7 (Reuters) – When coach Frenchman Benoit Vetu began working for the Japanese Cycling Federation five years ago his brief was simple — deliver a medal in keirin at the Tokyo Olympics.
That ambition edged closer to reality on Saturday when Japanese riders Yudai Nitta and Yuta Wakimoto both won their heats to power into the quarter-finals.
Their storming finishes provoked the loudest cheers heard at the Izu Velodrome, where a 50% capacity attendance is allowed, all week and should either win gold on the final day of competition on Sunday the roof might just blow off.
The reason is simple.
Taylor is an outdoors & sports equipment specialist, sports author, bike traveler, bicycling and skating expert, and smoke-free ride activist. He is also a regular reviewer of outdoor sports gadgets and accessories. About safety gear and biking facts he analyzes and gives his feedback to outdoorxsports. Writes and tests to help him, you, and us.