Description

Fausto Coppi

Fausto was the dominant cyclist in the Peloton after the Second World War. His many victories earned him the title Il Campionissimo (“Champion of Champions”). He was an all-around racing cyclist, excelling in both climbing and time trialing, and was also a great sprinter. He won the Giro d’Italia five times (1940, 1947, 1949, 1952, 1953), the Tour de France twice (1949 and 1952), and the World Championship in 1953. Other notable results include winning the Giro di Lombardia five times, Milan–San Remo three times, as well as victories at Paris–Roubaix and La Flèche Wallonne, and setting the hour record (45.798 km) in 1942.

Rik Van Steenbergen

Rik Van Steenbergen (born September 9, 1924, in Arendonk, Belgium – died May 15, 2003) was one of the most successful and versatile cyclists of the 20th century, known for his dominance on both the road and the track. He won the UCI Road World Championship three times (1949, 1956, and 1957), a feat matched by only a few riders in cycling history. Over his career, Van Steenbergen claimed 270 professional road victories, including major wins at Paris–Roubaix (1948, 1952), Tour of Flanders (1944, 1946), and La Flèche Wallonne (1949, 1958). He also won four stages in the Tour de France and 15 stages in the Giro d’Italia along with winning both the Vuelta &  Giro Points Jerseys.. On the track, he was a prolific six-day rider, winning 40 six-day races and excelling in the madison and points race disciplines. Renowned for his sprinting power and tactical intelligence, Van Steenbergen remains a legend in Belgian cycling.

So, What is Six-day Racing, Anyway?

Six-day track racing originated in the 19th century as part of a fascination with novel endurance sporting events. The earliest six-day races were straightforward contests to see who could ride the most laps on a track over six days. The format soon evolved to feature two-man teams, with riders taking turns on the track and dividing up the 24-hour periods—they even ate meals while riding.

Modern six-day racing takes place over six nights on indoor tracks, typically from 6 pm to 2 am. The overall winner is the team that completes the most laps. In addition to the “chase” to gain laps over competitors, a typical six-day program includes time trials, motor-paced races, intermediate sprints, and elimination races.

In the “chase” or Madison events (named after Madison Square Garden in New York City, where the two-rider format was devised), both riders may be on the track simultaneously, taking turns racing and using a hand-sling technique to propel each other back into action.