Cyclingnews

Early starts and late finishes

It's early afternoon, and the velodrome is nearly empty. The detritus of the previous night's partying has formed a layer of filthy ooze that covers the floor of Het Kuipke's infield. Standing in front of dozens of wheels, trying to keep his shoes from getting stuck to the beer-encrusted floor, is 28 year-old Ken Ilegems, mechanic for several of the six day riders. The groan of the air compressor echoes off the empty seats, but the air is surprisingly clean since smoking was banned from inside the track during the Gent six day (18/01) Read