Excited Ng selected for Japanese keirin

By Greg Johnson

Malaysian track cyclist Josiah Ng is among five foreigners to be selected for races in this year's Japanese keirin series. The rider is looking forward to returning to Japan, where he has contested the series on two previous occasions.

"I'm really excited about going back to Japan," said Ng. "I'm not sure why I was picked. I guess they really like me and my style of riding."

Ng will head to Japan for the series on April 14. In 2005 Ng claimed three victories at the Japan International Keirin Invitational.

Other riders invited to compete include Great Britons Ross Edgar and Matt Crampton, Dutch rider Teun Mulder and Frenchman Mikael Bourgain.

Keirin racing in Japan is a massive betting sport, with some 1.5 trillion Yen reportedly bet annually. As a result riders are subject to strict conditions, with Nihon Jitensha Shinkokai (Japanese Keirin Association) approval required for any equipment used in the races.