when conducting a race meeting. On the first day of competition, the better keirin competitors are assigned to races of higher caliber, while others are assigned to low-caliber races. Keirin racers are guaranteed to compete on each day of the meeting unless they are disqualified from a race or retire from the meet for any reason - in which case alternate competitors are called up to fill in the lower-caliber races. Below is a schedule of races conducted during a typical three-day FI event (open to both S-class and A-class riders). Day 1 Races 1–5: (low caliber) First four or five finishers in each race advance to Day 2 Semifinals Race 6: (high caliber) All riders compete in Day 2 Semifinals After six races, S-class riders compete: Races 7–10: First three or four finishers in each race advance to Day 2 Semifinals Race 11: All riders compete in Day 2 Semifinals Day 2 Races 1–2: First two finishers in each race advance to Day 3 Special Race 3: First five finishers advance to Day 3 Special Races 4–6: First three finishers in each race advance to Day 3 Final S-class riders then compete to advance: Races 7–8: First one or two finishers in each race advance to Day 3 Special Races 9–11: First three finishers in each race advance to Day 3 Final Day 3 Races 1–2: Races 3–5: Races 6–7: Race 8: Race 9: Race 10: Race 11: Equipment As a result of the parimutuel gambling that surrounds keirin racing in Japan, a strict system of standards was developed for bicycles and repair tools. The Nihon Jitensha Shinkōkai (Japanese Bicycle Association or NJS) - now under the JKA Foundation - requires that all keirin racers in Japan ride and use equipment that meets their standards. All riders use very similar bicycles, so that no rider will have any advantage or disadvantage based on equipment. In addition, all riders must pass strict licensing requirements. Those who wish to race in Japan must attend the Japan Bicycle Racing School where they learn the necessary rules, etiquette, and skills. The school typically accepts only 10% of applicants. Those who pass final examination must still be approved by the Japan Keirin Association. All bicycles and equipment must be built within strict guidelines set by the NJS, by a certified builder using NJS-approved materials. The products are then stamped by NJS and only equipment