Bahn News: The Dutch duo Yoeri Havik and Wim Stroetinga won the 106th Berlin six-day race. Having been in the lead since the second day, they fended off all attacks from their pursuers last night and clinched their more than deserved victory. Maximilian Levy ensured a German success in the Champions Sprint and the stayers were also cheering in the German camp.
The Havik/Stroetinga duo crowned a dominant performance at the Berlin Six Days yesterday with a well-deserved overall victory. They had already taken the lead on the second day and have successfully fended off all attacks since then. On yesterday's final evening, the duo of last year's winners Kenny de Ketele and Moreno de Pauw attacked again, but it was no longer of any use. Finally, Havik/Stroetinga celebrated on the floor of the Berlin Velodrom. As the best German team, Nico Heßlich and Achim Burkhart finished seventh.
In the Champions Sprint, Maximilian Levy lived up to his role as favorite and defended his generous lead against compatriot Robert Förstemann on the last evening. The podium was completed by Keirin European Champion Thomas Babek. It was much closer in the stayers' World Cup - at the beginning of the evening the places on the podium were still open. European Champion Stefan Schäfer with pacemaker Peter Bäuerlein dared a courageous attack a few laps before the end of the race and the risk paid off: In the end, the two were not only able to celebrate the day's victory, but also the World Cup went to the veterans.
The event concept, which was new this year, was also a great success: Around 60.000 spectators were welcomed during the event in the historic Berlin Velodrom and sees the reorientation of the Sixdays as confirmed: “The six days have shown that our concept worked. All days were well attended. Now we are already looking forward to next year.”
The date for the 2018 Berlin six-day race has already been set. It will take place from January 25th to 31st.