Thierry Vanlee Photography

Six-day cycling is a track cycling-event that competes over six days.

Six-day races started inBritain, spread to many regions of the world, were brought to their modern style in theUnited Statesand are now mainly aEuropeanevent. Initially, individuals competed alone, the winner being the individual who completed the most laps. However, the format was changed to allow teams (usually of two riders each), one rider racing while the other rested.

The overall winner is the team which completes most laps. In the event of teams completing the same number of laps, the winner is the team with most points won in intermediate competitions (seepoints race). As well as the 'chase' to gain laps over competitors, a typical six-day programme will include time trials, motor-paced, intermediatesprintandelimination races.

The sport is quite dangerous with death as result. 6 day cycling is still popular in my hometown Ghent attracting a popular crowd which combines (often heavy) drinking and cheering for their teams. It is used by companies to socialise with their customers. 

The photographs in this gallery were made during the 6 days of 2019.