Organisers launch new Six Day Series, visiting London and three other European capitals
There will be four events in the series, followed by a stand-alone grand finale in the spring
Organisers of the Six Day cycling events have announced the formation of a new series of races.
Bringing together the events in London, Amsterdam, Berlin and Copenhagen riders will race for the overall crown of king or queen of the series, as well as the spoils on each night.
The track cycling series kicks off next week with the London Six Day from Tuesday October 25 and comes to a close in Copenhagen on Tuesday January 31 next year.
The overall winners will take to the top step of the podium at the grand finale, which is planned as a stand-alone one night event on Mallorca in March. The single night will feature a packed schedule of racing before the prize giving.
Both Mark Cavendish and Sir Bradley Wiggins are on the provisional start list for the opening event in London, partnering up in front of their home crowd.
Wiggins recently pulled out of the Abu Dhabi Tour at short notice but is expected to make his return to racing on the track as planned.
The organisers are hoping the series can project a message of European unity at a time of fracturing relations across the Continent.
Six Day Series
Six Day London: October 25-30 2016, Lee Valley VeloPark, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London
Six Day Amsterdam: December 6-11, Amsterdam Velodrome
Six Day Berlin: January 19-24 2017, Berlin Velodrome
Six Day Copenhagen: January 26-31 2017, Ballerup Super Arena, Copenhagen
Season climax: March 17 2017, Palma Arena, Mallorca