Every year, Rotterdam Ahoy transforms into a vibrant meeting place for the world’s best track cyclists. This prestigious sporting event attracts top athletes (men ánd women!), from renowned road cyclists to the elite of track cycling. And yes: Harrie Lavreysen and Jeffrey Hoogland were among the participants this year too!
We had the privilege of attending this spectacle on Sat night 14 Dec. We witnessed several intense and thrilling races including some track records. The atmosphere in the fully packed velodrome was electric, with fans cheering passionately as the world’s top riders showcased their skills, power, speed, and strategy.
Sprint heats (where riders battled fiercely in tactical duels), the keirin (another crowd-pleaser where riders surge behind the motor-paced derny before an explosive sprint finish) and various equally captivating endurance-point-races (where riders accumulate points through intermediate sprints and breakaways), we had it all:-)
While every race brought its own excitement, the madison – or “koppelkoers” – was the highlight. This dynamic event, where pairs of riders alternate between high-speed sprints and strategic rests, had everyone glued to their seats. The riders displayed unmatched synchronization and endurance and their hand slings during exchanges were executed with incredible precision. A spectacular showcase of teamwork and resilience.
Adding to the day’s highs was a special moment dedicated to the farewell of Michael Mørkøv, one of the sport’s most respected and accomplished track riders. The velodrome celebrated his remarkable career while he received a standing ovation from fans and fellow riders alike.
Watch this video for a spectacular summary.
Just before midnight we walked back to our car for a ride back to Amsterdam, reliving the spectacle together. What a thrilling night of track cycling it was!
