Roy van den Berg: The Bullettrain

In the high-octane world of track cycling, where milliseconds separate the good from the great, Roy van den Berg has emerged as a hero. Born on September 8, 1988, in Kampen, Netherlands, van den Berg has become a symbol of perseverance, excellence, and resilience. His crowning achievement came in 2024, when he accomplished what few athletes ever dream of: winning gold at the World Championships, European Championships, and the Olympic Games in a single year. Now, with his eyes set on the Sixdays Weekend in Berlin, van den Berg is ready to add another chapter to his storied career.

The Golden Year: 2024

The year 2024 will forever be etched in the annals of track cycling as the "Golden Year" for Roy van den Berg. Teaming up with Harrie Lavreysen and Jeffrey Hoogland, van den Berg dominated the team sprint discipline on every major stage. The trio’s impeccable synergy and unmatched power led to a series of historic wins:

• World Championships: Van den Berg and his teammates claimed gold, reaffirming their dominance in the team sprint discipline.

• European Championships: Continuing their streak, they captured the top podium spot, solidifying their reign over Europe.

• Olympic Games: At the Paris 2024 Olympics, they not only won gold but shattered the world record with a breathtaking time of 40.949 seconds, becoming the first team to complete 750 meters in under 41 seconds.

This trifecta of victories not only showcased van den Berg’s physical prowess but also his mental fortitude and unyielding dedication to his craft.

A Journey Defined by Resilience

Van den Berg’s road to success has not been without its challenges. As a young cyclist, he faced stiff competition and moments of doubt. Yet, through sheer grit and determination, he rose through the ranks, becoming a cornerstone of the Dutch team sprint powerhouse. His journey has inspired countless aspiring athletes, proving that hard work and resilience can overcome any obstacle.

The Return to Sixdays Weekend in Berlin

As the 2025 Sixdays Weekend approaches, anticipation for van den Berg’s third appearance at the event is at an all-time high. Scheduled to take place from January 31 to February 1 at the iconic Velodrom, the Sixdays Weekend is a blend of elite cycling and vibrant entertainment. Having competed twice before, van den Berg returns with renewed purpose: to claim the crown that has eluded him thus far.

The Sixdays Weekend holds a special place in van den Berg’s heart. It’s not just a race; it’s an opportunity to connect with fans and showcase his mastery on the track. With the momentum from his historic 2024 season, van den Berg is the favorite to dominate the competition.

The Legacy of a Champion

Roy van den Berg’s journey from a determined young cyclist in the Netherlands to a triple gold medalist and global track cycling hero is a testament to his unwavering dedication and exceptional talent. With his sights set on victory at the Sixdays Weekend in Berlin, he continues to inspire with every pedal stroke. The story of Roy van den Berg is not just about winning; it’s about the relentless pursuit of greatness and the legacy of a true champion


Mateusz Rudyk: Diabetes can’t stop to Triumph at Sixdays Weekend

Mateusz Rudyk, Poland's premier track sprinter, has carved out a remarkable career, not just for his victories but for his inspiring fight against adversity. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 12, Rudyk has become a beacon of resilience and determination. In January 2024, he claimed victory at the Sixdays Weekend in Berlin, cementing his place among the elite. Now, in 2025, he returns to defend his title as the reigning champion.

Fighting Adversity with Diabetes

At 12 years old, Rudyk’s life changed with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Despite the challenges, he remained undeterred. With support from his family and a disciplined approach to managing his condition, Rudyk transitioned from football to track cycling, finding the explosive nature of sprint events perfectly suited to his talents and health needs.

Managing diabetes as a professional athlete requires constant vigilance. Rudyk relies on continuous glucose monitoring technology to track his blood sugar levels during intense training and competitions. He emphasizes that while diabetes adds complexity to his career, it doesn’t define or limit him. “With proper control, nothing can stop you from fulfilling your dreams,” he asserts.

A Stellar Career

Rudyk’s career is marked by significant milestones, including:

• 2016: Gold in Team Sprint at the European Championships.

• 2019: Bronze in Individual Sprint at both the World Championships and European Championships.

• 2024: Winning the Sixdays Weekend in Berlin, becoming a fan favorite with his dynamic performances.

Rudyk’s accomplishments extend to multiple national titles, solidifying his reputation as one of Poland’s greatest sprinters.

Sixdays Weekend: The Triumph of 2024

In January 2024, Rudyk captivated the audience at Sixdays Weekend in Berlin with his unmatched speed and tactical prowess. Claiming the championship in a fiercely competitive field, he demonstrated why he’s one of the best in the world. His victory was not just a personal achievement but also an inspiration for athletes managing chronic conditions.

The Return in 2025

As the reigning champion, Rudyk’s return to the Sixdays Weekend in 2025 carries significant anticipation. Fans eagerly await his performance, knowing his relentless drive and focus. Competing against a new set of challengers, Rudyk aims to defend his title and reinforce his legacy at one of the most prestigious events in track cycling.

Advocacy and Inspiration

Beyond his successes on the track, Rudyk serves as an ambassador for Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team. In this role, he inspires individuals living with diabetes, proving that the condition is not a barrier to achieving greatness. “Through my own journey, I show others that with determination and proper care, you can achieve anything,” Rudyk says.

Conclusion

Mateusz Rudyk’s journey from a young boy managing diabetes to a world-class track cyclist is a testament to perseverance and grit. His return to Sixdays Weekend in 2025 as the reigning champion symbolizes not just his athletic prowess but also his role as an inspirational figure in the world of sports. With every race, Rudyk continues to prove that overcoming adversity can lead to extraordinary triumphs.


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.


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.


Yoeri Havik fährt als Erster über die Ziellinie

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.


Roger Kluge: The Professor of Track Cycling

In the high-speed, tactical world of track cycling, few athletes command respect like Roger Kluge. Known as "The Professor" by his peers, Kluge's nickname is a tribute to his unmatched ability to read races and execute the perfect strategy at the right moment. His dominance in six-day cycling and beyond has earned him a reputation as one of the most astute minds in the sport. But his journey to becoming a two-time world champion is a tale of perseverance, intelligence, and masterful racing.

The Call to Adventure

Born in 1986 in Eisenhüttenstadt, Germany, Roger Kluge quickly showed a natural talent for cycling. As he developed into a professional, it became clear that Kluge was not just a powerful rider but also a rider with an exceptional ability to think several moves ahead. This skill would come to define his career, particularly in the demanding world of six-day cycling, where races are as much about brains as they are about brawn.

Early in his career, Kluge’s physical prowess and tactical sharpness brought him attention, but the path to success in professional track cycling is never easy. Faced with fierce competition and the intense mental and physical demands of the sport, Kluge’s journey had only just begun.

The Road of Trials

Kluge's tactical acumen first shone on the world stage in 2008 when he captured a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics in the points race. But it was his ability to thrive in the challenging format of six-day races that solidified his reputation as “The Professor.” These endurance-based, multi-day events require riders to conserve energy, seize opportunities, and react to the ever-changing dynamics of the race—a perfect arena for Kluge's strategic mind.

In addition to his prowess in six-day events, Kluge's career reached its pinnacle when he claimed back-to-back World Championship titles in the Madison event in 2018 and 2019, partnering with fellow German rider Theo Reinhardt. These victories not only highlighted his skill but also his consistency and mental resilience. His ability to make crucial decisions in high-pressure moments played a key role in these world titles.

Moreover, Kluge has also been crowned a European Champion multiple times, further underscoring his dominance and versatility in track cycling.

The Greatest Victories

Though Kluge’s success on the track is well-documented, his achievements extend to the road as well. One of his most remarkable feats came during the 2016 Giro d'Italia, where Kluge surprised the cycling world by winning a stage. Known primarily for his track expertise, his road victory showcased his versatility and tenacity.

Yet, it is his triumphs in the velodrome, particularly his two consecutive Madison World Championship titles, that stand as the defining moments of his career. These victories reflect not only his physical capability but his unmatched mental strength and racecraft—the very qualities that earned him the nickname "The Professor."

The Return with the Elixir

Today, Roger Kluge remains a vital figure in the cycling world, continuing to compete at the highest level while also serving as a mentor to younger riders. His ability to combine tactical brilliance with raw athleticism makes him a formidable competitor even in the twilight of his career.

Kluge’s journey is a testament to the power of strategy in a sport often dominated by sheer power. He has taught the cycling world that success isn’t only about physical strength but also about timing, intelligence, and making the right move at the right time.

As "The Professor" continues to ride, his legacy grows, reminding us all that the mind is sometimes a cyclist's greatest weapon.


Robert Förstemann: The Legend of „Quadzilla

Robert Förstemann, known affectionately as "Quadzilla" due to his colossal 74 cm (29 inch) thigh circumference, has carved a remarkable path in the world of track cycling.

Förstemann's story took off with a bang in 2010 when he became a UCI Track Cycling World Champion and European champion in the team sprint event (with Stefan Nimke and Maximilan Levy). His explosive power on the bike helped him secure a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics in the team sprint. However, it wasn't just his speed that made headlines that year; his massive quads, captured in a viral "quad-off" photo with teammate André Greipel, earned him the legendary nickname "Quadzilla"​.

He became a fixture in the Six Day Cycling series, a prestigious multi-day track event combining intense racing and entertainment. His participation in Six Day Berlin and other events showcased his love for the sport and versatility, proving that his cycling career wasn't just about quick sprints but sustained excellence​.

In the later stages of his career, Förstemann took on a new role as a pilot for para-cycling events, where he guided visually impaired athletes to victory. His efforts culminated in a silver medal at the 2023 Para-cycling Track World Championships​ and a bronze at 2024 Paralympics in Paris with Thomas Ulbricht

This transformation from individual sprinter to team leader underscores his evolution as a cyclist and a competitor.

Beyond his competitive achievements, Förstemann became a social media sensation with feats like powering a toaster using just his leg strength, further cementing his reputation as a true powerhouse​.

Förstemann’s story is one of unrelenting force and adaptability. His legendary legs, his nickname "Quadzilla," and his journey from Olympic champion to para-athlete embody the resilience and dedication that define a true hero in the world of sports.