DerbyWheel (DW), the innovative global Professional Keirin cycling concept, has triumphantly concluded the first stage of its initiation plan. Following a series of successful rider induction events held across Manchester, Melbourne, and Seoul, which saw participation from 343 cyclists from more than 26 countries, DerbyWheel is set to select its first cohort of riders.
Throughout the induction, athletes were put through stringent assessments including a flying 200m time trial and a Wattbike 30-second sprint power test. The results of these evaluations were instrumental in categorising the cyclists into three distinct levels: S Class, A Class, and B Class, based on their performance.
In addition to the physical tests, the riders attended workshops aimed at familiarising them with the rules, procedures, and integrity aspects of DerbyWheel, led by Sportradar, DerbyWheel’s integrity partner. The upcoming weeks will see the announcement of the initial group of riders who have met the criteria, inviting them to become the pioneering participants in DerbyWheel races. A select few will also partake in a test event planned for late April, ahead of the official start of the debut season in early June.
James Pope, CEO of DerbyWheel, expressed enthusiasm over reaching a pivotal point in the DerbyWheel launch and highlighted the positive feedback from participating cyclists, who are eager for more racing opportunities. This sentiment bolsters DerbyWheel’s ambition to augment the existing track cycling calendar, offering regular competitions for riders at various levels.
Shane Perkins, a former World Champion in Keirin, commended DerbyWheel for its potential to significantly contribute to the future of track cycling by increasing race opportunities for athletes. Reflecting on his own experiences in Japanese Keirin racing, Perkins anticipates DerbyWheel providing similar benefits for current and future cyclists.
Lewis Oliva, Commonwealth Games Keirin silver medalist, shared his excitement about re-entering the racing scene through DerbyWheel after a five-year hiatus. Impressed by the professionalism and structure of the DerbyWheel induction, Oliva is looking forward to the keirin season ahead.
DerbyWheel plans to unveil further details about its 2024 season later in the year, promising to extend racing opportunities to over 550 registered riders through additional inductions. For more information, interested parties are encouraged to visit DerbyWheel’s official website.
