Keirin Kings — The Road to Japan with Joe Christiansen and Josh Hartman

New York, NY — September 23, 2021

Star Track is proud and excited to announce that two of our elite sprinters—Joe Christiansen and Josh Hartman—will be traveling to Japan to compete in the inaugural pro Pist6 Championship Keirin Race Series for three months in 2022. Joe and Josh are the first male American riders to be invited to Japan to compete in Keirin racing in over 20 years. The pair will be competing aboard the latest track racing platform from Felt Bicycles, the Tk FRD.

“We are thrilled to partner with Felt Bicycles to supply our two racers with the amazing Tk FRD frames,” says Peter Taylor, Co-Executive Director of Star Track Racing. “By partnering with Felt, our riders are ensured world-class machinery as they compete with both Japanese racers and international racers from more than 12 countries.”

“As long-time sponsors of track racing programs globally, we at Felt recognize the need for trade team support of the discipline, and are incredibly pleased to be partnering with Star Track Cycling,” says James Hibbard, Director of Sports Marketing at Felt Bicycles. “Based in New York City, Star Track Cycling not only has an incredible roster of elite sprint and endurance track cyclists, but has also invested heavily in developing the sport and nurturing talented juniors from across the United States.”

Star Track will be providing fans with regular updates and blogs documenting Joe and Josh’s "Road to Japan" journey via their own personal social media channels, as well as via the Star Track social feeds.

Star Track Cycling

NYC’s only youth track cycling program empowers kids from under-resourced communities and provides the opportunity to join a competitive cycling team. Founded in 2004 and based at Kissena Velodrome in Queens, Star Track has been repeatedly designated a USA Cycling Center of Excellence. Star Track initiated an elite racing program in 2015 and its riders have earned 34 National Championship jerseys over the last three racing seasons at the junior, collegiate and elite levels. 

About Joe Christiansen

Colorado’s Joe Christiansen is a 4-time Elite National Champion and the USA Cycling National Keirin Champion in 2019. In addition to racing for Star Track, Joe has trained at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and represented Team USA at international competitions in Japan, Europe, and South America. Joe has also piloted tandem bicycles in UCI Paracycling competitions.

Joe Christiansen

Joe Christiansen

About Josh Hartman

Guyana-Born, Brooklyn-raised rider Josh Hartman is currently based in Pennsylvania and is a two-time USA Cycling Elite Team Sprint Champion. In addition to racing for Star Track, Josh has trained at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, participated in the USA Cycling Olympic Development Program and represented Team USA at international competitions in South America and Canada.

Josh “Pro” Hartman

Josh “Pro” Hartman

 About Felt Bicycles

Since its founding in 1991 in Southern California, Felt Bicycles has strived to be the most innovative cycling company on the planet. Felt aims to help every cyclist and triathlete ascend to a world championship victory, surpass a personal record, or achieve a perfect ride on the parcours of their liking. The brand is devoted to creating the most high-performance cycling experience imaginable because it comprises the world's most passionate cyclists who love nothing more than what bikes can bring to the human experience.

The Felt Tk FRD

The Felt Tk FRD

 

Please send press inquiries to press@startrack.nyc