Niki Terpstra and Iljo Keisse started strongly in the 32nd Six Days of Rotterdam. Last year’s winners ended the first day in the Ahoy Arena in the same spot where they finished one year ago. Michael Mørkøv and Alex Rasmussen, winners of the final Madison, sit second at nine points down, 81 to 72.
 
Couples Kenny De Ketele and Jasper Buyst (57 points) and Jens Mouris and Wim Stroetinga (24) are the only others on the same lap as the leaders.
 
One step ahead
Terpsta and Keisse proved yet again that they are a force to be reckoned with this week by riding two strong Madisons. During the second, the Omega Pharma-Quick-Step riders were constantly one step ahead of the competition but were left with only a fourth place – one lap down. Thanks to a second place in the first Madison, behind Franco Marvulli and Tristan Marguet, but with a lap advantage over the rest of the field and victories in the derny race and the super elimination race they seized the overall lead.
 
“The first big Madison of a Six-Day is always important,” said Keisse. “We might have lost a lap but we laid our cards on the table. I think it was a good day.” Terpstra agreed with his Belgian partner. “The first place is the best place to be in. Now we have to defend that position.”