TriJim
12-31-2006, 10:18 AM
Spectator Report – 6-Day Race, Zurich (http://www.sixdays-zuerich.ch/)
What a show! My interest in 6-Day racing started with an inquiry from a fellow Serotta owner and recently piqued after reading Peter Nye’s “The Six-Day Bicycle Races.”
From the book and previously observing races at the Lehigh Valley Velodrome, I wasn’t sure how exciting it would be to watch a group of riders circle the track for five hours, let alone six consecutive nights. I was wrong.
http://www.feviper.com/pictures/6DayZurich29.jpg
Track - The 6-day track is smaller than a typical velodrome with very steep banking – about the diameter of an ice hockey rink. The fastest laps are completed in less than 10 seconds at speeds over 70 kph (42 mph). You usually find all 28 riders (14 teams) on the track with team handoffs as often as every other lap. To maintain spectator awareness, there is a digital lap counter, spot light on key riders, and jumbotrons providing continuous live video of the action. At trackside, you hear and feel a “whoosh” as the riders pass.
http://www.feviper.com/pictures/6DayZurich30.jpg
Action – the riders aren’t just grinding-out laps, but compete in a series of contests that award points to determine the overall winning team. For example there are races with primes (and sprints to the line) every 5 laps, motor paced events, 125- and 250-lap main events, and fastest lap competition. Each rider spends 3 to 4 hours on-track with frequent 100% efforts. As a cyclist, you will appreciate the physical effort demonstrated by the competitors.
http://www.feviper.com/pictures/6DayZurich33.jpg
Extras – Then there are many things that make it a show. There is high energy music playing during the racing and the cadence increases as the bell lap begins. The sponsors give free stuff in the lobby (Skoda had a 2-bike track race simulation on a Tacx trainer, my best time was 47 sec for 2 laps, and they give you your picture with their logo in the corner). There was a “timber sport” demonstration (you’ve seen this on the Lance channel when they aren’t showing bull riding), stunt bike riders, and it is always fun to watch the crowd (the top layer on the hat is battery operated with the riders constantly circling).
http://www.feviper.com/pictures/6DayZurich34.jpg
In summary, the 6-day race is a multi-sensory action event centered on the physical challenges of a bicycle race; highly recommended if you venture to Europe in the winter. :beer:
Jim B.
What a show! My interest in 6-Day racing started with an inquiry from a fellow Serotta owner and recently piqued after reading Peter Nye’s “The Six-Day Bicycle Races.”
From the book and previously observing races at the Lehigh Valley Velodrome, I wasn’t sure how exciting it would be to watch a group of riders circle the track for five hours, let alone six consecutive nights. I was wrong.
http://www.feviper.com/pictures/6DayZurich29.jpg
Track - The 6-day track is smaller than a typical velodrome with very steep banking – about the diameter of an ice hockey rink. The fastest laps are completed in less than 10 seconds at speeds over 70 kph (42 mph). You usually find all 28 riders (14 teams) on the track with team handoffs as often as every other lap. To maintain spectator awareness, there is a digital lap counter, spot light on key riders, and jumbotrons providing continuous live video of the action. At trackside, you hear and feel a “whoosh” as the riders pass.
http://www.feviper.com/pictures/6DayZurich30.jpg
Action – the riders aren’t just grinding-out laps, but compete in a series of contests that award points to determine the overall winning team. For example there are races with primes (and sprints to the line) every 5 laps, motor paced events, 125- and 250-lap main events, and fastest lap competition. Each rider spends 3 to 4 hours on-track with frequent 100% efforts. As a cyclist, you will appreciate the physical effort demonstrated by the competitors.
http://www.feviper.com/pictures/6DayZurich33.jpg
Extras – Then there are many things that make it a show. There is high energy music playing during the racing and the cadence increases as the bell lap begins. The sponsors give free stuff in the lobby (Skoda had a 2-bike track race simulation on a Tacx trainer, my best time was 47 sec for 2 laps, and they give you your picture with their logo in the corner). There was a “timber sport” demonstration (you’ve seen this on the Lance channel when they aren’t showing bull riding), stunt bike riders, and it is always fun to watch the crowd (the top layer on the hat is battery operated with the riders constantly circling).
http://www.feviper.com/pictures/6DayZurich34.jpg
In summary, the 6-day race is a multi-sensory action event centered on the physical challenges of a bicycle race; highly recommended if you venture to Europe in the winter. :beer:
Jim B.