One Night at the Six Day

For the past few years I’ve been wanting to attend the Amsterdam Six Days, but never managed to get organized enough to get the tickets in time. For those who are unaware, Six Day races consist of two man teams that compete on an indoor track. Historically the races lasted 24/6, although much to the amphetamine trades dismay, they switched it to a more reasonable 6 evenings.

This year, I finally managed to experience a night at the track first hand. While it was truly a treat to see the likes of Erik Zabel, Robert Bartko, and Bruno Risi, and Theo Bos in person, I must confess that the social atmosphere is almost as important as the races themselves: needless to say, a vast amount of beer is consumed.

On that note, some images.


Patrik Bos and Theo Bos getting ready to rumble.


Keirin race in full swing.

Near the end of the night, a friend and I tried to sneak into the VIP zone to try and get a picture with Mr. Zabel. While we had no luck getting in, we did manage to see most of the racers on their way to the changing rooms, as well as a few VIPs. To their credit, almost all of them put up with our well lubricated antics.


The star attraction, Erik Zabel, on his way to the showers after a hard nights work on the saddle.


Multiple Olympic Gold and World Championship winning cyclist Leontien van Moorsel, giving a few tips on how to ride on the track and maintain a tan.


Michael Zijlaard, van Moorsels husband, as well as one of the organizers of the nights, and a Derny driver to boot.


Dutch veteran, Aart Vierhouten - a very nice guy, and strong as an ox.


Some cheerleaders.


Last, but not least, the overall winner of the 2007 Amsterdam Six Days, Robert Bartko.