Local hero Marcel Kalz and Leif Lampater have won the 104th edition of the Six-Days of Berlin. On the last day, the German Madison Champions defended their lead in front of 12,500 spectators and won the race with a one-lap advantage over Spanish world champion David Muntaner and last year's winner Kenny De Ketele from Belgium in second place. Danes Alex Rasmussen and Marc Hester were also one lap behind in third.

"It's incredible to have won in front of the Berlin audience that has supported us every day," said Kalz after the race. And organizer Reiner Schnorfeil was satisfied. "During six days, we have celebrated a great cycling festival with our loyal fans and first-class racers. The response from the audience is a clear commitment to the Six-Days of Berlin and for usit a great compliment and motivation," he said.

More than 73,000 spectators attended the event in the velodrome at Landsberger Allee. Schnorfeil wants the oldest sporting event in Berlin to continue.  The 105th edition is scheduled for January 28-February 2, 2015.

Lampater/Kalz had gone into the decisive madison with a tw-lap advantage. Muntaner/De Ketele went all in by applying the pressure from the start to take back a lap pretty early. From there, the two Germans didn’t allow their rivals to get anywhere. Instead, they attacked in the finale. Their victory was guaranteed in the penultimate lap and so they could enjoy the final time around the track.

"Although we had a big lead, we could not be sure. Therefore, we are to be aggressive in the final madison and ride on the front to control the race,” Lampater said.

Despite the positive response from the audience, the race is still suffering from financial problems. The organizers have already called for support from the Berlin Senate. Schnorfeil announced that he will use this week for discussions to find out how the race which has been held since 1909, can continue.