Niki Terpstra will take aim at another Rotterdam Six-Day win. The Dutchman loves racing on the track and says the Six of Rotterdam, January 2 to 7, fits in perfectly with his Omega Pharma-Quick Step road programme.

"Every year during that time, there's a lot of snow, or it's raining or just nasty outside. If you're on the track for six to seven days, it's perfect for road racing," Terpstra said today. "The Six-Day is not just a preparation for me, though. I like to race in front, to compete in front, and I prefer to win it."

Defending champion
Terpstra won the six-day last season with Iljo Keisse, who also races for Omega Pharma-Quick Step. They took one lap on all their rivals, including Wim Stroetinga and Peter Schep in second place. "If I'm starting Rotterdam, I want to win," added Terpstra. "For sure, I'll aim for the podium, but my goal is to win."

"I train in the Amsterdam Velodrome; it's one of the most beautiful 200-metre tracks in the world. There are not too many 200-metres tracks around and I live close by this one," Terpstra said. "I have many opportunities to train behind the motorbike and to do some Madison training. I'm lucky to be close by to Amsterdam and to be able to train there when I want."

Terpstra gets rolling on the road with two winter training camps, one in December and another in January. He said that he wants to begin his season in the Tour of Qatar again. Combined with Rotterdam, it is a perfect start to the year for the classics rider who placed third this April in Paris-Roubaix.

Teaming up with Keisse?
The Rotterdam organizer is busy confirming its participants, which will be finalized and announced on November 26. Terpstra said that he wants to team with Belgium's Keisse again. "If I'm riding with Iljo I have to be in good shape and I can't let him down."