6 Dagen Antwerpen 1972 – Zesdaagse van Antwerpen

This bold and whimsical poster was created for the 1972 edition of the Antwerp Six-Day Race (6 Daagse van Antwerpen), held at the iconic Sportpaleis from February 11 to 17. Rendered in a dynamic hand-drawn style, the number six—formed with thick red, yellow, and green arcs—dominates the layout, evoking both the movement of the riders on the velodrome and the energy of the week-long competition.

This poster reflects both local pride and a high-level design sensibility. The race was part of a thriving European tradition of indoor six-day track cycling events, renowned for their speed, endurance, and vibrant nighttime atmosphere. Antwerp’s Sportpaleis was among the most storied velodromes of its era, hosting many of the sport’s top professionals. This 1972 poster stands as a vibrant reminder of the visual creativity that accompanied Belgium’s love affair with track cycling.

The three-man team of  Leo Duyndam, Rene Pignin, and Theo Verschueren won the 1972 edition. Verschueren, a Belgian motor-paced champion, won the Antwerp title again, adding to his previous victory in 1968. Pijnen, a Dutch six-day specialist, and Duyndam, a consistent performer in big six-day events, completed this triumphant team. The second-place team consisted of track legends Patrick Sercu, Rik Van Linden, and Alain Van Lancker, with third place going to the team of Graeme Gilmore, Wolfgang Schulze, and Julien Stevens.

This poster has been archivally and professionally linen-backed.

Virtually all original vintage posters of this era were viewed as temporary advertising and were printed on fragile, thin paper. While expensive, linen backing is a conservation method used to mount, stabilize, preserve, and protect vintage posters so they can be displayed or framed without compromising value.

This poster is an original first printing, not a reproduction.