UPDATE 28 February 2025: JKA has banned Kitai from competition for 3 months (1 March – 1 June 2025) and demoted him from the top SS Keirin league to the bottom – S1.

On Thursday the Japanese Keirin Association (JKA) announced one of their top racers, Yuki Kitai, tested positive for the anabolic androgenic steroid Methandienone in December.

In 2024 Kitai, who only started racing 4 years ago, was an up-and-comer on the Japanese Keirin circuit, qualifying to compete for the first time in the sport’s most prestigious event – the Grand Prix held on 30 December each year.

While the 35 year-old allegedly had been using Methandienone while competing in the Grand Prix, Kitai finished in last place from a field of nine riders.

It is reportedly the first time a rider at the Grand Prix has ever tested positive for a banned performance enhancing drug since Keirin racing started in 1948.

Kitai is now suspended from racing, with further JKA sanctions, fines or disqualifications possible.

In a statement posted by JKA, chairman Hiroshi Kido said: “It is truly regrettable that a prohibited substance was detected in a top athlete this time, and we apologise for the inconvenience and concern this has caused to our customers and everyone involved in bicycle racing. In order to live up to everyone’s trust, we will continue to educate our athletes and make industry-wide efforts to prevent recurrence.”

Methandienone is commonly used by body builders to increase muscle size, leg performance and strength. Its use by athletes is prohibited at all times by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

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