Six-day racing

Six-day racing is a track cycling specialism, which - as the name suggests - involves racing over six days.

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The first six-day events were held in the United States and involved individual riders racing 24-hours a day for six days, and were marathon tests of endurance. However, the format was changed to allow teams (usually of two riders each) to compete, one rider racing while the other rested. The 24-hours a day regime has also been relaxed, so that most six-day races involve six nights of racing, typically from 6pm to 2am, on indoor tracks (velodromes).

Related Topics:
United States - Velodromes

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The overall winner is the team which completes the most laps. In the event of teams completing the same number of laps, the winner would be the one who won most points in intermediate sprints (see points race) and other competitions.

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As well as the 'chase' to gain laps over competitors, a typical six-day programme will also include motor-paced, intermediate sprint and elimination races. In the main 'chase' or Madison events (so-called after Madison Square Garden in New York where the two-man format was devised), both riders may be on the track at the same time, taking it in turns to race, hand-slinging each other back into action. The non-racing rider will circle the track slowly at the top of the banking until 'slung' back into the race.

Related Topics:
Madison - Madison Square Garden - New York

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As well as the spectacular hand-sling, the racing rider may also propel a team-mate into the race by pushing the seat of the rider's racing shorts.

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Six-day racing is now predominantly a European phenomenon, particularly popular in Belgium and Germany. Spectators may also be entertained by live music, and have access to restaurants and bars. The Munich Six-Day race even featured a funfair around the outside of the track, and a night-club in the cellar that opened at 2am (when the racing finished).

Related Topics:
Europe - Belgium - Germany - Munich

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