NIGHT 3 OF THE GHENT SIX

Thursday night, 7pm. Funny when you walk into the front door of the velodrome and you have to say g’day to 3 persons. Not very unusual, but all of them are either World or Olympic champions. The first one is World champion Omnium and all the way from Swan Hill, Australia. And also silver medal winner in the team pursuit. This 23 year old Aussie is one of the top stars in this race. Only 13 points keeps him away of the first place after two nights. With his mate Iljo Keisse they will try tonight to take the lead. Strange to see him walking around in Omega –Quick Step colors instead of Jayco.

Second man Belgian World champ Madison Kenny De Ketele, always friendly and that costs him time, he stops few times for a chat, a pic or an autograph. Kenny’s new look makes me think of Danny Clark or would he be a member of the Mo-Vember club. Yes, he has a real black moustache. And let’s hope it brings him luck.

The third guy is probably the less knowing rider of the 3 trackies.  Lasse Norman Hansen from Denmark. He is the Olympic gold medal winner Omnium.  Only twenty years old, and already a possible podium chaser, with his team mate Marc Hester.

At this moment the teams are trying to beat the best time of Keisse – O’Shea on the fastest lap (8.74sec for the 166m). No one seems to go faster tonight. So the flowers are for Iljo and Glenn.

The new record was set last night by Tristan Marguet who teams with Franco Marvulli. (8.57 sec) They beat the 10 years old record of South African Jean Pierre Van Zijl.

In the meantime the midfield and the stands are getting full with spectators. Everybody gets ready for the first Madison of the night. After 16 minutes in this 45min + 10 laps Madison still 6 teams in the lead. The Swiss-German team Dillier – Bartko looks very strong tonight. It wouldn’t surprise me if these two will finish very close in this ongoing Madison. The race has been neutralized because of crash of Marc Hester and Tim Mertens. Someone mist his drink bottle and the track got wet and slippery. Fifteen minutes to go and Keisse attacks again. Dillier and Bartko alone ahead, but the world champions and Keisse – O’Shea are always close.

The final is full on now, Still the “ teams leading with 5 minutes and 10 laps to go. Also the Danish riders Hester and Hansen want to take a piece of the cake.

Ok 10 laps to go, We’re building up to a close sprint with 4 teams , Iljo Keisse is the  fastest sprinter!!His mate Glenn O’Shea brought him at the right spot for the final lap! Well done guys.

And now I am off for a well deserved beer! Cheers