Lords of the ring
DH Inside takes you into the magic of the Six Days of Ghent alongside four-time world champion Morgan Kneisky.
The Story:
Each year, in mid-November, the Kuipke velodrome in Ghent fills to capacity for the last Six Days race held in Belgium. A legendary event infused with folklore and tradition, where French cyclist Morgan Kneisky, Madison world champion, served as our guide. An immersive journey into a world where the scent of embrocation blends with the aroma of sizzling burgers.
Photo + vidéo + Web
Leaning on the railings surrounding the Ghent velodrome, Morgan Kneisky chuckles at the steepness of the banked turn.
"From the stands, it looks absolutely terrifying... I rarely find myself on this side of the track, and I can totally understand why people find it dizzying."
Standing seven meters high with a staggering 52% incline, the two banked turns are one of the Kuipke’s most striking features. “At just 166 meters long, this track is much shorter than those found in more modern velodromes,” explains Michel Vaarten, a former track cycling specialist, 1986 keirin world champion, and now regarded as one of the best derny pacers in the sport.
"The turns are steep, but well-designed, so the rider isn’t thrown off by centrifugal force when exiting the curve. That said, it definitely takes some experience to tame this track..."
