Six day racing on the track will make a return to London in October thanks to direct involvement from Mark Cavendish.
The Manxman is a partner with Madison Sports Group, who will organise the London Six Day between October 18-23 in the Lee Valley VeloPark, the velodrome used for the 2012 London Olympics. Former Olympic track sprinter Sir Chris Hoy is also involved as an ambassador, as the event looks to build on the incredible interest for cycling in Britain.
Six day racing is still popular in some parts of Europe but has been in gradual decline, with many of the biggest road racing stars were unable to find time to compete on the track during the winter.
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The London organisers hope to reboot the six day racing format and create a more spectacular event. A six day was last held in London 35 years ago. Madison Sports Group said Madison and Derny races will be combined with women's, junior and talent events, to create a unique blend of racing action. Organisers are also promising music from DJ's and light shows that will create an unprecedented atmosphere in the velodrome.
Cavendish attended the official presentation of the London Six before travelling to Utrecht for the start of the Tour de France. He raced on the track during his early career, riding his first six day in 2005. He is a former double Madison world champion and won the 2014 Gent Six in Belgium with Etixx-QuickStep teammate Iljo Keisse. His team has been against Cavendish trying to qualify for the track events for the 2016 Rio Olympics but he is expected to ride Six Day London at the end of his road racing season.
"I am excited about Six Day London and the sport of Six Day racing returning to the UK," he said. "While working with Madison Sports Group I have been incredibly impressed with their vision for the sport and their approach to create the best cycling events in the World. I have no doubt that they will deliver ground-breaking spectacles for athletes and fans alike, helping to take the sport to the next level."
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