What Is 2020 Six Days of Ghent

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2020 Six Days of Ghent was a six-day track cycling event held from November 25 to 30, 2020, at the Kinepolis Velodrome in Ghent, Belgium, featuring elite endurance and sprint races with teams of two riders.

Key Facts

The 2020 Six Days of Ghent took place from November 25 to 30, 2020.
It was held at the Kinepolis Velodrome in Ghent, Belgium.
The event featured 16 two-rider teams competing in multiple disciplines.
Dylan Groenewegen and Roy Eijer won the 2020 edition.
Due to the pandemic, attendance was limited to essential personnel and media.

Overview

The 2020 Six Days of Ghent was a prestigious track cycling competition that returned after a one-year hiatus due to organizational challenges. Held annually in Ghent, Belgium, the event is part of the international Six Day Series, drawing top endurance and sprint specialists from around the world.

This edition marked a significant adaptation due to global health concerns, with strict protocols in place to ensure safety. Despite reduced fan access, the competition maintained its high intensity and showcased elite-level teamwork and strategy across multiple cycling disciplines.

Event dates: The 2020 Six Days of Ghent ran from November 25 to November 30, 2020, a slight shift from its traditional autumn scheduling to accommodate pandemic-related delays.
Venue: All races were held at the Kinepolis Velodrome, a temporary wooden track constructed inside the Kinepolis cinema complex, a hallmark of the Ghent event since 1962.
Format: The competition featured 16 two-rider teams from 10 countries, including top professionals from the UCI WorldTour and track cycling specialists.
Winners: Dutch duo Dylan Groenewegen and Roy Eijer claimed the 2020 title, combining strong sprinting and endurance performances across the six days.
Attendance: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, public access was prohibited, and only essential staff, media, and limited team personnel were allowed on-site.

How It Works

The Six Days of Ghent combines speed, stamina, and tactical depth across a variety of track cycling events held over six consecutive evenings. Each team of two riders accumulates points and time bonuses throughout the week, with the highest total at the end declared the winner.

Madison: A relay-style race where teammates exchange via a handsling maneuver. Each night includes a Madison segment, typically 20–30 laps, with points awarded for intermediate sprints and final placement.
Team Pursuit: Both riders start together on one side of the track. Teams race over 3,000 meters, with the time taken on the third rider; fastest time earns maximum points.
Time Trial: A 750-meter individual race against the clock. Held on Night 3, it tests raw sprint power and adds variety to the endurance-heavy format.
Derny Race: Motor-paced sprint event using small motorized bikes called Dernys. Riders reach speeds over 60 km/h, with the race lasting approximately 20 laps.
Elimination Race: Also known as the 'Devil Take the Hindmost,' one rider is eliminated every lap after the first few. Creates high drama and aggressive tactics as riders avoid being last.
Points Race: A mass-start event where laps and sprints earn points. Intermediate sprints occur every 10 laps, with 1–3 points awarded; the highest total wins.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2020 Six Days of Ghent with previous editions and other Six Day Series events in 2019–2020:

Event	Year	Dates	Location	Winner
Six Days of Ghent	2020	Nov 25–30	Ghent, Belgium	Groenewegen/Eijer
Six Days of Ghent	2019	Oct 14–19	Ghent, Belgium	Kamp/Leigh
Six Days of Amsterdam	2019	Nov 11–16	Amsterdam, Netherlands	Müller/Bentivogli
Six Days of Berlin	2019	Nov 25–30	Berlin, Germany	Kamp/Leigh
Six Days of London	2019	Oct 15–20	London, UK	Kamp/Leigh

The 2020 Ghent event stood out due to its pandemic-era adjustments, including no live audience and a compressed support schedule. While past editions featured large crowds and entertainment acts, the 2020 focus shifted entirely to athletic performance under strict health protocols.

Why It Matters

The 2020 Six Days of Ghent underscores the resilience of traditional sporting events in the face of global disruption. It maintained elite competition standards while adapting to safety requirements, preserving the legacy of one of cycling’s oldest formats.

Historical continuity: The event has been held since 1922, making it one of the longest-running track cycling series in Europe.
Development platform: Young riders gain experience by competing alongside established WorldTour professionals in high-pressure environments.
Global exposure: Despite limited attendance, the event was streamed live to over 40 countries, expanding its digital reach.
Team dynamics: The two-rider team format emphasizes trust, coordination, and shared strategy over individual performance.
Urban sports culture: Held in a cinema complex, it blends sport with entertainment and nightlife, appealing to younger audiences.
Pandemic adaptation: The 2020 edition set a precedent for safe event hosting without compromising competitive integrity.

As a cornerstone of the Six Day Series, the Ghent event continues to evolve while honoring its rich heritage, proving that tradition and innovation can coexist in elite sports.