Unlike track riders elsewhere in the world, these guys race in all weather. In fact, the biggest races of the season are held in December/January, when there can be snow around. The tracks are super grippy, like sandpaper, but that means crashing on them can turn you into bacon.

Keirin riders all have to have the same kit, so it makes sense to make the helmets as protective as possible - afterall, if no one can have an advantage, why opt for unprotective helmets? The best ones are made by the motorcycle helmet maker Arai, and basically are slightly smaller versions of a motorbike helmet.

With the kevlar body armour on, they look like gladiators, hmmm, or maybe bumblebees. Gladiatorial bumblebees!! Tatakau hachi