Sports Listings: Plan Ahead - Cycling
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Your support makes all the difference.COSTS of organising Britain's own six-day cycling event, the Skol Six, became too prohibitive and since its demise in 1980, the Ghent Six in Belgium has become the adopted home for British supporters of this varied track racing. This year's event is from 16 to 21 November.
Madison, one of the key events in six day, provides exciting racing. Teams of two compete, with one rider racing while the other recovers, alternating every four laps or so. The winning pair have to gain a lap on the field of 12 and 15 teams. At Ghent, these rolling races will be particularly exhilarating. The track is only 168 metres in length and the steep bankings and indoor atmosphere make for good spectating.
The motor-paced Derny races add to Ghent's variety. Six riders follow motorcycles in a dash for the line. The devil is another animated affair, in which the last rider in the pack is eliminated after a set number of laps, until a winner is determined. Pursuit and sprint competitions, involving top professionals, complete the programme.
Sporting Tours, of West Yorkshire, specialise in cycling tours and have a package that covers the weekend, from 19 to 22 November, with two-night hotel accommodation in Ghent. Travel is by coach, with several pick-up points. The tour costs pounds 109 per person and tickets can be purchased when booking.
Ghent Six, 16-21 November.
Sportpaleis, Park, 9000 Ghent, Belgium (Tel: 010 32 92 22 86 39).
Tickets: BFr277 to BFr850 ( pounds 5.40 to pounds 16.60) daily. Sessions: 8pm daily, 2pm on Sunday.
Sporting Tours, 21 Manor Gardens, Pool- in-Wharfedale, near Otley, West Yorkshire LS21 1NB (Tel: 0532-843617).
Belgian Tourist Office, Premier House, 2 Gayton Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2XU (Tel: 081-861 3300).
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