Michael Morkov and Tobias Aagaard Hansen win the 41st Six Days Rotterdam
Michael Mørkøv and Tobias Aagaard Hansen have won the Cycling Six Days Rotterdam. After six days of top-class sport, the race in Rotterdam Ahoy was only decided in the final sprint. For Mørkøv, the Olympic champion in the pairs race in Tokyo 2020, it was the last six days of his career. It is the first Danish victory on the track in Rotterdam!
After five days, Rotterdam Ahoy was able to prepare for a sensational showdown with three pairs in the preliminary round: Jan-Willem van Schip-Yoeri Havik, Michael Mørkøv-Tobias Hansen and Vincent Hoppezak with Philip Heijnen. The difference between the first two pairs was only four points. Number four Lindsay De Vylder and Fabio Van den Bossche were not excluded from the overall victory, even though they were one lap behind.
The final day began with a short two-man race, with the retiring Mørkøv and Hansen taking the win after a great effort. The pair drop was then a prey for Van Schip-Havik, with Havik taking the lead in the sprint to Mørkøv. The final of the Derny Cup was set to be a thrilling duel between Havik and Heijnen, until Heijnen lost touch with his pacer and had to settle for second place.
With Van Schip-Havik at the top of the standings and a total of four pairs within one lap, the final team race over fifty minutes and fifty laps was started. The last part of the six-day event saw a thrilling battle with all four top pairs taking the final victory. In the end, Mørkøv-Hansen and Van Schip, with Havik trying for a double victory, proved to be the best pairs and the final sprint had to decide. There the Danes won.
You can find all the results from Rotterdam here.
Next up is the Sixdays Bremen from January 10th to 13th, before the SIXDAYS WEEKEND starts at the end of January in the Velodrom Berlin.
The Art of Attack and Defense in Madison Races
The Madison is one of the most electrifying events in Six-Day Cycling, showcasing a blend of endurance, speed, and strategy. In this team-based discipline, two-rider teams alternate between racing and resting, aiming to score points in sprints and gain laps on their competitors. Central to its excitement are the tactical elements of attack and defense, which dictate the rhythm and outcomes of the race.
What is an Attack in the Madison?
An attack in the Madison is a calculated effort where a team accelerates to break away from the peloton (the main group of riders) with the goal of gaining a lap or dominating a sprint. Attacks are often well-timed and designed to catch opponents off guard.
How an Attack Works:
1. Setup: The attacking team positions themselves near the front of the peloton, ready to strike.
2. Execution: The active rider surges forward at high speed, creating a gap between themselves and the group.
3. Sustained Effort: To make the attack successful, the rider must maintain the breakaway pace, requiring endurance and precise timing.
Why Teams Attack:
• Gain a Lap: Gaining a lap on the field is a game-changer, earning the attacking team significant points and a tactical edge.
• Secure Sprint Points: Attacks often coincide with intermediate sprints, allowing teams to claim critical points.
• Exhaust Opponents: Forcing rivals to chase can sap their energy, leaving them vulnerable later in the race.
What is a Defense in the Madison?
Defense in the Madison involves countering or neutralizing an opponent’s attack to prevent them from gaining an advantage. Defense requires sharp observation, quick reactions, and efficient teamwork within and between teams.
How Defense Works:
1. Spotting the Attack: Teams in the peloton watch for signs of a potential breakaway, such as riders moving to the front or increasing their pace.
2. Chasing the Attacker: Once an attack begins, teams accelerate to reduce the gap and bring the attacking rider back into the group.
3. Collaborating in the Peloton: Multiple teams often work together in defense, sharing the effort of chasing down the attacker. By rotating leadership in the chase, each team conserves energy while ensuring the attack doesn’t succeed.
Why Teams Collaborate in Defense:
• Mutual Interest: If an attacking team gains a lap, every other team is at a disadvantage. Collaboration ensures no single team shoulders the burden of defense.
• Energy Efficiency: By taking turns setting the pace, teams in the peloton can conserve energy while maintaining a high-speed chase.
• Strategic Alliances: Temporary alliances form during defense, with teams recognizing that cooperation benefits everyone in the group. Once the attack is neutralized, the competition resumes.
The Balance between Attack and Defense
The dynamic interplay of attack and defense defines the Madison. Teams must calculate when to strike and when to conserve energy, balancing their ambitions with the need to neutralize threats. Overzealous attacks can leave a team vulnerable to counterattacks, while overly passive defense can allow rivals to gain the upper hand.
A Strategic Chess Match
The Madison’s unique format turns it into a tactical chess match played at breakneck speed. Attacks inject adrenaline into the race, while coordinated defenses showcase the intelligence and teamwork of the peloton. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to Six-Day Cycling, the drama of the Madison lies in its intricate strategies, where every move brings the riders closer to triumph—or defeat.
Theo "The Gentleman" Reinhardt: A Beacon of Track Cycling
Theo Reinhardt, affectionately known as Theo "The Gentleman" Reinhardt, is a name synonymous with excellence and sportsmanship in the world of track cycling. Born on September 17, 1990, in Berlin, he has built a career marked by fierce competition on the track and gentlemanly grace off it.
A Career of Highs and Victories
Reinhardt rose to prominence in the team pursuit and madison disciplines, excelling with his tactical awareness and teamwork. On the track, he is a fierce yet fair competitor, known for his ability to dominate races without compromising the spirit of sportsmanship. He has clinched multiple titles at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships, most notably becoming a back-to-back world champion in the madison event alongside Roger Kluge in 2018 and 2019. Their unmatched partnership has set benchmarks in the sport, making them a duo that causes headaches not only for rivals but also for Sixday event organizers, as their dominance often shifts the dynamics of competition.
In addition to his world titles, Reinhardt has shone at the European Track Cycling Championships, earning several medals that underscore his consistency at the highest level. Beyond championships, he has also captured victories at numerous prestigious Sixday events, including triumphant campaigns in Berlin and London. These wins have further solidified his reputation as a master of endurance and strategy in the velodrome.
A Lasting Impact
Off the track, Theo "The Gentleman" Reinhardt lives up to his nickname. Known for his humility, kindness, and sense of fair play, he is as much admired for his character as for his achievements. As of today, he remains a dominant figure in track cycling, inspiring young athletes with his dedication and sportsmanship. Whether he’s competing in the velodrome, strategizing for six-day races, or mentoring the next generation, Reinhardt embodies the spirit of resilience and camaraderie. His continued success and leadership ensure his legacy will endure in the cycling world for years to come.
Cycling Six Days Rotterdam starts
The 41st edition of the Cycling Six Days promises to be an exciting battle with an impressive field of participants. With a combination of established names and up-and-coming talent, the field of riders is complete. Thirteen pairs and six sprinters will be at the start of the WielerZesdaagse in Rotterdam Ahoy from 10 to 15 December 2024.
Competition organisers Michael Zijlaard and Peter Schep are delighted to have secured this field of participants. Michael Zijlaard: ‘This 41st edition promises to be another top edition with a balanced field of participants. There are a number of favourites, such as Havik and van Schip, who will try to defend their title from last year.’ World champions Sebastían Mora (ESP) and Roger Kluge can also count themselves in with a good chance; they will form a pair with Yanne Dorenbos (NED) and Maikel Zjlaard (NED) respectively.
Two other German riders will also take to the track. Theo Reinhardt will be racing in Rotterdam together with Lukas Rüegg from Switzerland. Moritz Augenstein will form a team with Raphael Kokas from Austria.
More information about Cycling Race in Rotterdam here.
13 teams take up the title hunt:
- Jan-Willem van Schip (NED) - Yoeri Havik (NED)
Maikel Zijlaard (NED) - Roger Kluge (GER)
3. Michael Mørkøv (DEN) - Tobias Aagaard Hansen (DEN)
4. Theo Reinhardt (DUI) - Lukas Rüegg (SUI)
5. Raymond Kreder (NED) - Rhys Britton (GBR)
6. Silvan Dillier (SUI) - Peter Moore (VS)
7. Lindsay De Vylder (BEL) - Fabio Van den Bossche (BEL)
8. Joeri Schaper (NED) - Julian Vergouw (NED)
9. Roy Eefting-Bloem (NED) - Milan Van den Haute (NED)
10. Yanne Dorenbos (NED) - Sebastián Mora (ESP)
11. Robbe Ghys (BEL) - Noah Vandenbranden (BEL)
12. Vincent Hoppezak (NED) - Philip Heijnen (NED)
13. Raphael Kokas (AUT) - Moritz Augenstein (GER)
The Dynamic Duo: Moritz Augenstein and Moritz Malcharek at Sixdays Weekend 2025
As the Sixdays Weekend 2025 approaches, cycling enthusiasts are abuzz with excitement for the dynamic duo of Moritz Augenstein and Moritz Malcharek. These two young German track cycling stars are not only accomplished athletes but are also carving their legacy as the future leaders of German track cycling. Their impressive achievements make them the team to watch at this year's event
Two National Titles
Moritz Augenstein and Moritz Malcharek have been a dominant force in the Madison discipline, claiming the German Madison Championship title in 2023 and 2024. Winning two consecutive national titles is a testament to their unmatched synergy, tactical brilliance, and raw power on the track. This streak has cemented their status as one of the top Madison teams in the world and underscores their potential to lead Germany in international competitions.
Their journey together began in their junior years when they first captured the German Junior Madison Championship in 2015, showcasing early signs of their remarkable partnership. Fast forward to today, and they are poised to dominate not just nationally but on the global stage.
The Future of German Track Cycling
Augenstein and Malcharek , both 27 years old, are stepping up as the torchbearers of German track cycling. The duo's consistent performances and hunger for success signal a promising future for the nation's legacy in the sport.
Their potential has already drawn comparisons to the greats of German cycling. Fans and experts alike see them as the natural successors to the powerhouse team of Roger Kluge and Theo Reinhardt, ready to fill their shoes and carry forward Germany's reputation in the Madison and other track cycling disciplines.
Individual Brilliance
While their success as a team is remarkable, both Moritz Augenstein and Moritz Malcharek bring exceptional individual achievements to the table:
• Moritz Augenstein: A versatile rider, Augenstein is a two-time German Derny Champion (2020 and 2023) and a consistent performer across various track disciplines. His resilience and adaptability make him a key player in any race.
• Moritz Malcharek: A standout competitor for the Maloja Pushbikers team, Malcharek clinched a silver medal in the Scratch race at the 2022 European Championships. His international experience and sharp racecraft further strengthen their team dynamic.
Eyes on Sixdays Weekend 2025
At Sixdays Weekend 2025, all eyes will be on Augenstein and Malcharek as they aim to take on the world’s best. Their third-place finish at the Sixdays Weekend 2024 proved they are more than ready to challenge for podiums on the biggest stages.
As rising stars in the Madison discipline, their tactical brilliance and seamless coordination promise to deliver thrilling performances that will captivate the crowd. For fans of cycling, this duo represents the perfect blend of youth, talent, and ambition.
Don't miss your chance to watch Moritz Augenstein and Moritz Malcharek in action at Sixdays Weekend 2025! Secure your tickets today and be part of the excitement as they continue to shape the future of German track cycling.
The Six Day Cycling Competition: A Detailed Guide to Laps and Points
Six Day Cycling is an extraordinary blend of endurance, strategy, and teamwork, and it has been captivating cycling fans for over a century. While the competition format may seem complex at first, the core of the event revolves around laps and points, which play distinct but interconnected roles in determining the winner. In this guide, we’ll explain the main goal of Six Day Cycling and clarify the relationship between laps and points.
The Main Goal: Riding More Laps
At its heart, the primary objective of Six-Day Cycling is simple: ride more laps than your competitors within the given time. Teams consist of two riders who take turns racing on the velodrome, allowing one teammate to rest while the other competes. This relay-style format adds a layer of strategy, as teams decide when to switch riders to maintain optimal speed and endurance.
Why are laps so important?
• Winning Priority: The team with the most laps at the end of the competition is declared the winner.
• Tiebreaker Role of Points: If two or more teams have ridden the same number of laps, the winner is determined by the points they’ve accumulated during sprints and other events.
This means that a team can win the overall competition even if they have fewer points than other teams, as long as they have at least one more lap than their closest rivals.
Winning Scenarios: Laps vs. Points
To illustrate the interaction between laps and points, here are a few common scenarios:
1. A Team Wins by Laps:
Team A completes 400 laps, and Team B completes 399 laps. Even if Team B has more points, Team A wins because they have more laps.
2. A Team Wins by Points in a Tie:
Team C and Team D both complete 400 laps. If Team C has 120 points and Team D has 115 points, Team C wins because of their superior point total.
3. A Lower-Point Team Still Wins:
Team E completes 401 laps but has only 80 points. Team F completes 400 laps but has 150 points. Team E wins because their extra lap takes precedence.
Why This System Matters
The distinction between laps and points adds a layer of complexity and excitement to Six Day Cycling. Teams can adopt different strategies depending on their strengths:
• Lap-Focused Teams: These teams prioritize endurance and teamwork to gain laps, often sacrificing opportunities to earn points in sprints.
• Point-Focused Teams: These teams excel in speed and tactics, aiming to accumulate points in case of a lap tie.
This system ensures that no single aspect of cycling — whether endurance, speed, or strategy - dominates the competition. Instead, it creates a dynamic and unpredictable race where both physical ability and tactical decisions are key to success.
Conclusion: The Perfect Balance of Strategy and Skill
Six Day Cycling is a thrilling test of endurance, teamwork, and strategy. While the ultimate goal is to ride more laps than your competitors, the points system ensures a fair and exciting competition, providing a fallback mechanism for resolving ties. This unique interplay between laps and points means that every moment on the track counts, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very last lap.
So, the next time you watch a Six Day race, remember: it’s not just about who’s the fastest — it’s about who can outlast, outthink, and outmaneuver the competition.
Sixdays Cycling: The Cycling Party You Didn’t Know You Needed
If you wonder what is Sixdays Cycling, you’re not alone — but you’re definitely missing out on one of the biggest (and most fun) events in track cycling! Now, it has become one of the most prominent track cycling events, second only to the World Championships in terms of prestige and popularity.
History in 3 sentences
It’s an event that started way back in 1878 in London, where it originally tested solo riders’ endurance over six days straight. At some point in the early 1900s, they switched to a team format, which made things way more exciting and strategic. Now, Sixdays has a long history as a mainstay in the track cycling world and is loved for its unique blend of athleticism and entertainment.
The “Controversy of the name”
Traditionally, Sixdays was a six-day marathon of cycling, but these days things have shifted a bit. Today, you’ll find different formats that span between 2 and 6 days, but the style of racing stays consistent across them all. Sixdays Cycling is now less about the number of days and more about the racing itself, which is full of variety and keeps the excitement alive from start to finish.
Here’s how it works
Endurance riders compete in teams of two, taking on a series of different races each day—Madison, time trials, elimination races, Derny races, you name it. The goal is to ride more laps than other teams. But if two or more teams have ridden the same distance, the points collected help to clarify the winner. Points stack up day by day, so each night brings new thrills as teams move up and down the leaderboard. The suspense builds across the event, with fans rooting for their favorite teams to climb to the top by the final day.
Why is it special?
But what makes Sixdays Cycling so special isn’t just the competition. The atmosphere is more like a festival than a sports event. Picture music, food, and a crowd that’s just as interested in having a good time as they are in the cycling. The stands are filled not only with cycling enthusiasts but also with people looking to enjoy the party-like vibe that Sixdays brings.
The Mission
Beyond entertainment, Sixdays plays a crucial role in bringing track cycling to the masses. It introduces newcomers to the sport in a friendly, accessible way, helping them appreciate the athletes’ skill and endurance. Moreover, Sixdays events often serve as testing grounds for new race formats and ideas, allowing organizers to experiment and refine the sport, which keeps it evolving and exciting.
Yoeri Havik: The Motor that never stops
Nicknamed “The Motor” for his unmatched endurance and powerful heart, Yoeri Havik’s cycling career is a testament to persistence and resilience. Born in Zaandam, Netherlands, in 1991, he has steadily risen to the top of both road and track cycling, with his biggest achievements coming later in his career.
A Late Blooming Champion
While many Six Day riders find success early, Havik’s major victories came after years of dedication. At 30, he won his first European Championship title in the Madison with Jan-Willem van Schip in 2021. A year later, he claimed the Points Race world title, and in 2023, at 32, he and van Schip made history by winning the Madison at the World Championships, the first Dutch duo to do so.
Overcoming Adversity
Havik’s journey wasn’t without setbacks. In 2014, his grandfather, former cyclist Cees Stam, suffered a critical injury during a derny race, deeply affecting Yoeri. Yet, he returned stronger, using the tragedy as fuel for his ambition, proving his resilience on and off the bike.
Versatile and Reliable
Havik’s career spans both road and track disciplines. He’s earned road victories like the Antwerpse Havenpijl and GP Himmerland Rundt and represented the Netherlands in the Madison at the Tokyo Olympics, finishing fifth. Balancing the two disciplines is rare, but Havik excels in both with consistency and determination.
Enduring at the Top
Even in 2024, Havik remains competitive. Participating in events like the ZLM Tour and Heistse Pijl, he proves his ability to perform against younger competitors. His late-career rise highlights a steady and deliberate path to success, rather than early peaks that fade.
Legacy of "The Motor"
Havik’s story is one of perseverance. His nickname, “The Motor,” reflects his incredible stamina and unwavering drive. By achieving his greatest triumphs later in his career, he has redefined what it means to endure in a demanding sport, inspiring others with his grit and determination.
Top German starters at the 110th Berlin Six Day Race
Olympic champion Franziska Brauße and the two-time Madison world champions Roger Kluge and Theo Reinhardt have been confirmed as the first German starters for SIX DAY BERLIN. Lea Sophie Friedrich and Robert Förstemann will start in the sprint. After a two-year break due to the pandemic, the 110th Berlin Six-Day Race will be held at the Velodrom Berlin from January 27th to January 29th, 2023.
Valts Miltovics, Managing Director of Six Day Berlin: “We are delighted that we will finally be able to offer top track cycling at the Velodrom Berlin again at the end of January. After a two-year break, we have had to shorten the concept to three days, but so we are bundling top sport, party and family Sunday on the three top days of Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”
Roger Kluge, current European Madison champion: “I am very happy to be able to compete at Six Day Berlin again after three years. The atmosphere in Berlin is unique. In addition, Theo Reinhardt and I would like to defend our European Championship title two weeks after SIX DAY Berlin. For this, Berlin is the optimal preparation and extremely valuable from a sporting point of view.”
The rest of the rider field will be announced shortly. “Currently we are talking with other top athletes from track cycling and will be able to sign them up for the Six Day Berlin in the coming days,” Valts Miltovics continued.
Dieter Stein, Sporting Director of the Berlin Six Day Race: “We will see intense competitions at the 110th Six Day Race, as there is less time to act and catch up due to the shortened race days. I’m already looking forward to the different tactics of the teams and how they will deal with the new situation.”
Stayers and the big finale on Family Sunday
The Berlin Six-Day Race kicks off on Friday, January 27, 2023, starting at 6 p.m.. In the Velodrom Berlin, all visitors can expect the familiar variety of great atmosphere and party as well as top sport on the track. The highlight will then be the traditional stayers, who will complete their laps shortly before midnight at the end of the opening evening.
On Saturday, the action also continues from 6 p.m. to midnight with 18 top sporting events on and off the track. 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams will compete in this SIX DAY race. In addition, there will be the best sprinters. For the first time, the women will race the same number of elite races as the men, in the endurance disciplines as well as in the sprint.
The grand finale and the Family Sunday fall on the same day for the first time this year. Between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. on January 29th, families with children in particular will be offered a great program. On the track, the best sprinters will compete at the end of the three-day Six Day Race – and in the final 100 laps of the women and 120 laps of the men, the new Madison Champions of the Six Day Berlin 2023 will be defined.
Each day of competition will be opened by junior races, which will be organized together with the BRV. From U15 to U23 races, this will be an important opportunity for up-and-coming athletes to measure themselves against international competition.
Six Day Berlin 2023 at the Velodrom Berlin
Friday, January 27th 2023, 6:00 p.m.- Midnight
Saturday, January 28th 2023, 6:00 p.m.- Midnight
Sunday, January 29th 2023, 3:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.