BANGKOK Millionaire cyclist Yuichiro Kamiyama suspended his title chase on Japan's professional circuit so he could win what money cannot buy in Bangkok a gold medal. After winning the men's sprint title, the 30-year-old Kamiyama proudly said: I have always wanted to run and win in the Asian Games even if it interrupts my professional career. Now, I'll go for gold at the Sydney Olympics in the Keirin, said Kamiyama, one of five professionals from Japan's Keirin cycling circuit which attracts millions of gamblers around the country.

Kamiyama broke away from fellow pro Noriaki Mabuchi to win the one-on-one sprint final. Keirin promoters allowed licensed racers to compete in the Asian Games for the first time to boost the sport's low-class image. Keirin stars have already competed in the Olympics and World Championships. Kamiyama has been the top money earner on the Keirin tour for the past three years but took time off to train for one month even though it could mean he will be overtaken in the rankings at the season-ending Grand Prix in Tokyo on December 30. He has collected 160 million yen (1.3 million dollars) in prize money so far this year.

In 1997 he was the first Keirin star to top 200 million yen in a year. He was first lured to international competition when now retired Keirin King Koichi Nakano won the World Sprint Championship for the 10th consecutive time. As a student, Kamiyama raced to the silver medal in the 1986 Seoul Asian Games in Seoul before moving into the cash-laden world of Keirin. Money is the reason for many people to join Keirin. But in my case, I care about dueling and winning, he said.

Of course, I am happy with what I earn. Japan have never lost in the past eight asiad men's sprint competitions but called in Australian Coach Gary West to train the national team ahead of the Bangkok games. (AFP)