Track cycling: Before the final, Achim Burkart and Yoeri Havik regained the lead at the Sixdays Bremen. However, the German-Dutch duo is far from sure of its cause. The lead is only two points - and that one day before the end.
Everything from 1 to 5 is included
The Sixdays Bremen really do give the spectators everything they could hope for from a six-day race. A bike race could hardly be more exciting. Even after Day #5, five teams are still almost level and can claim victory on the last day. Achim Burkart and Yoeri Havik only lead by two points ahead of favorites Kenny De Ketele and Theo Reinhardt. Also in the clear round are Wim Stroetinga and Robbe Ghys, as well as Christian Grasmann and Jesper Mørkøv. The duo, which was able to take the lead for a short time yesterday thanks to the bonus credit, is in fifth place. Leigh Howard and Morgan Kneisky may be down a lap but still have the most points. Pure excitement in the first five places.
Eric Weispfennig: “Five teams are still in the running for overall victory. Fifth-place finishers, Kneisky and Howard, can also make it to the top. It will be an incredibly exciting finale.”
Theo #Reinhardt and @deketelekenny win Monday's Big Hunt at the @sixdays_bremen pic.twitter.com/1cBsI2ratm
— buten un inside | Sport Blitz (@SportblitzNews) 15 January 2018
Enders is faced with the perfect farewell gift
Even if, thanks to the unbelievable excitement, the focus is of course on the pros, the U23 junior drivers were also cheered on by the spectators. They ended their performance at the Sixdays Bremen on day #3. Belgians Bryan Boussaer and Jules Hesters won ahead of Anders Fynbo and Martin Osmarsson Mollerup. Luca Felix Happke and Arne De Groote took third place.
Eric Weispfennig: “Bryan and Jules clinched a lights-to-flag victory and dominated the field over the two days. I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more from them in the future."
René Enders is still at the front in the sprint – and that is very important. On the last day, the 30-year-old will get on his bike for the last time in a professional competition. Will he be able to say goodbye to his fans with a win at the end of his career? The chances are not bad.
René Enders: “It is a well-considered step and I took a lot of time with the decision. There is simply life after sport and that entails at least as many challenges."
Achim #Burkart & Yoeri #Havik take back the lead!
After the 2nd day of racing they were already at the top, now on the 5th day of racing again! Great performance! Tomorrow the big FINALE! #SIXDAYSBREMEN pic.twitter.com/q45WfGg9VJ
— SIXDAYS BREMEN (@sixdays_bremen) 16 January 2018
Cover image source: © ESN Arne Mill