Wiggins and Cavendish not the only favourites for the Ghent Six Day, says defending champion
Iljo Keisse tipping Belgian duo of De Ketele and De Pauw to take the win at this year's Ghent Six Day in Belgium (November 15-20)
When the Ghent Six Day starts on Tuesday, all British eyes will turn to Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish to see if they can go one better than their second place in the London Six Day in October. However, according to one rival, they are not necessarily the team to beat.
Iljo Keisse, one of the defending champions of the event, says that although the British pairing are sure to put up a fight, he fancies a Belgian victory.
>>> Ghent Six Day: everything you need to know
"Everyone is saying that Wiggins and Cavendish are the duo to beat, but I'm tipping Kenny De Ketele and Moreno De Pauw," Keisse told Sporza. "They have already ridden together for a long time and can automatically rely on each other's response and experience.
"Of course Wiggins and Cavendish will fire as world champions. I know Cav is very eager and wants to go full throttle, and with Wiggins he has a very strong man at his side."
With Michael Morkov absent, Keisse is defending his title with Olympic omnium champion Elia Viviani, and says that the experience will take some getting used to for the Italian.
"It's the first time that Viviani has ridden the Ghent Six Day. Therefore it will take a bit of getting used to at first. The important thing is that he is familiar by the weekend, because that's when the real prizes are handed out."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
Tour of Britain uncertainty stalls RideLondon Classique expansion plan
Organiser planned to add extra stage to this year's race, but question marks over the Tour of Britain Women has meant plans have been cancelled
By Jeremy Whittle Published
-
One for the style aficionados: Millie Skinner's Handsling A1R0 Evo
Brilliant blue, complete with 42mm wheels and tan walled tyres
By Joe Baker Published
-
'My legs are screaming' - 17-year-old stuns with two gold medals at the British Track Championships
Sam Fisher enjoyed a dream day with victories in the team pursuit and scratch race
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'I'm in shock' - 16-year-old school student wins medal at British Track Championships
A-Level student Henry Hobbs rode a blistering kilometre time trial to earn a spot on the podium
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Olympic hopeful Will Perrett dazzles at British Track Championships
27-year-old gains three laps to win points race in style, on a night when para-cycling national records tumbled
By Tom Davidson Published
-
‘I was expecting to be 7th or 8th’ - retired pro takes shock victory at British Track Championships
Pete Mitchell soared to a national title on his racing comeback
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Astana go all in on Cavendish in his final season, but will the confidence pay off?
The Kazakh team have bet big on the 38-year-old sprinter. Both they and Cavendish need 2024 to work
By Adam Becket Published
-
Mark Cavendish wins his first race in final season after perfect leadout in Tour Colombia
The Briton fended off the challenge of home rider Fernando Gaviria on stage four of the Tour Colombia
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Mark Cavendish forced to settle for third in 2024 season opener in Colombia
Astana Qazaqstan rider says Tour Colombia stage one result ‘best debut race for a few years’
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Mark Cavendish seeking aerobic gains at altitude before focusing on high intensity work ahead of new season
Astana head coach Vasilis Anastopoulos: ‘Cavendish is currently doing lots of hours in the saddle and only short sessions of more intensive work’
By Tom Thewlis Published