On June 6, 2024, the Japan Keirin Association (JKA) officially unveiled the prize money results for the year, creating buzz among racing fans and competitors alike. The announcement highlighted the substantial financial rewards earned by top athletes, showcasing their exceptional performances throughout the cycling year.
Leading the pack was Yusaku Koshō, who secured his position as the top earner this year with a remarkable total of 383,115,596 yen (approximately $3.5 million). Koshō, hailing from Osaka, achieved this milestone after winning two prestigious GⅠ events: the All-Star race and the Kanō Shinpei Prize, marking his second Grand Prix title. His earnings surpass the previous record set last year by fellow cyclist Yuta Waki, who had recorded 300,423,300 yen. According to JKA, "The incumbent champion, Yusaku Koshō, reached earnings of 383,115,596 yen, surpassing the previous record of 300,423,300 yen set by Yuta Waki last year."
Following closely behind Koshō are several male competitors who also crossed the 100 million yen mark. Notably, Yuta Waki, Kōta Hirahara, Kōhei Gunji, Yūto Shimizu, Yūki Kitai, and Takumi Masugi all demonstrated their skill and competitive edge, as their earnings exceeded 100 million yen. Not to be overlooked, Chikayoshi Madoba also made headlines by jumping to 12th place with his earnings of 80,037,274 yen, having improved significantly from his previous ranking as 119th last year.
On the women's side, Hiroko Ishii emerged as the top female earner with groundbreaking earnings of 35,644,000 yen (about $330,000), making history as the highest amount ever claimed by any women's cyclist. This triumph signifies her second time being crowned the prize money queen, last holding the title back in 2017. JKA commented, "Hiroko Ishii's achievement of 35,644,000 yen marks the highest amount won by any female cyclist, reinforcing her status." Ishii’s remarkable feat not only showcases her talent but also serves as inspiration for other female cyclists aiming for successes of their own.
Other noteworthy participants include Sōma Itō from Okinawa, who topped the ranking for the Kyushu region with earnings of 49,316,000 yen, securely placing him at 30th overall. On the female side, Mao Ogata ranked 4th among the women with impressive income as well, showcasing the competitiveness of the sport across genders.
The annual prize money announcement serves as a significant moment for cyclists, emphasizing the high stakes involved within the Keirin circuit. The results not only reflect the athletes’ hard work but also the engaging nature of the competitions throughout the year. With the 2024 season continuing to heat up, this financial recognition may inspire even more fierce rivalries and dazzling displays of athletic prowess as cyclists chase after records and accolades. The announced earnings might well redefine prospects for both current competitors and newcomers stepping onto the track, setting the stage for exhilarating races to come.
With such thrilling performances already highlighted, the cycling community is left to ponder the upcoming events and how these financial incentives might influence training, strategies, and future competitions within the ever-challenging world of Keirin cycling.