‘Party and racing’: Six Day Series cycling to hit Hong Kong for first time in Asia in March
- Blending music and lights with track cycling, the Six Day Series hits the local velodrome
- Riders enjoy the ‘party’ atmosphere which has them competing in a club-like setting
Sarah Lee Wai-sze may have to request a song when the Six Day Series comes to her home turf.
The event features international indoor cycling races mixed with a live DJ and light show, and will make its first appearance in Asia at the Hong Kong Velodrome.
As the name suggests, it is held over six days (in London, Berlin and Copenhagen) but will only be in Hong Kong for three days, from March 8-10.
Riders compete while music blares and Lee, who won a bronze medal for Hong Kong at the 2012 London Summer Olympics in the keirin, said she had a penchant for Hong Kong rap duo Fama.
“I’m a big rap fan actually,” said Lee, who last month set the velodrome alight by winning her first World Cup there. “Maybe we can have some Cantonese songs as well.”
The event will feature racers from the Cycling Association of Hong Kong alongside international Olympic gold medallists and well-known riders from around the world.
The Six Day Series has a long history dating back to the 1800s, and was revitalised in 2013 by Madison Sports Group, which has added music and a light show to the event.
Riders will compete in six different types of races, including the keirin (a short track race with a pace rider) and the madison (pair riding with a hand-sling).
Lee said she had never competed in a Six Day Series event before, but has been told to take a slightly different approach to this one, which focuses on entertainment.
“(Other racers) have told me you have to have some fun and enjoy it, and not think about the medals.”
Lee said there would be a bit of an adjustment to her sight (as racers compete in the dark with concert-like lighting), as well as music.
Lee said she liked competing at the velodrome because it gives her an added push to perform.
“There is both pressure and motivation, because I know people have come to watch me.”
One of the top riders who will be competing in Hong Kong is German Max Levy, a three-time Olympic medallist and four-time world champion.
Levy is a Six Day Series veteran and is the only rider to achieve more than 100 podiums.
“It’s tough to describe it in one sentence or summarise it, but for me it’s party and cycling,” said Levy who loves the club-like atmosphere. “I’m the one who is asking for more music, stop announcing and start the music.”
