Six-Day Cycling Race Hits Berlin

The dead of winter might not seem like the most natural moment to celebrate cycling, but in fact Berlin has a long tradition of indoor cycling with its annual Six-Day Race that has been taking place at the end of January for the last 99 years.

Indeed, there was a time when the six-day race was literally that - a non-stop race that took place for nearly a week. Two-man teams sped around the track 24 hours a day for the entire six days! These days however, the focus is a little more on having fun. Eighteen two-man teams participate in short, high speed races (at over 50 km per hour!) throughout the day, collecting points which will determine the winner at the end of the six days.

This particular race is not exactly a typical spectator sport as it is in many ways an excuse to party - beer flows freely until as late as 2am on weekends.

A family pass is just 35 euro (compared to the 30 euro single entry fee), so it's a great way to take a break from the chilly outdoors during the day when there is a more family-oriented atmosphere.

The Berlin Six-Day Race takes place at the velodrome on Paul-Heyse Strasse 29 IV from January 28 to February 2 2010.