Bradley Wiggins (36) is one of the attractions in the t’Kuipke velodrome at the Ghent Six. "The atmosphere is better than 13 years ago," said the flamboyant Briton. "I would have liked to have formed a pair with Iljo Keisse here."

While Bradley Wiggins stayed silent during the press conference, he talked cheerfully to the press on the opening night.

"It's wonderful to be back here," said the 2012 Tour winner and five times Olympic champion. "I've been here since I was born in Ghent when my father rode here.

"I love this building, Ghent and this country. It's fantastic. This is really my second home. I didn’t have that feeling during the Six Days of London.

"Yesterday I saw some old friends who still remembered me as a baby. She told stories from that time. It’s great that they still know that 36 years later."

13 years ago Wiggins won the Six Days of Ghent. "The atmosphere is much better now than then. Track cycling has clearly gained in popularity."

In Ghent the Brit rides with Mark Cavendish. "But I would have liked to form a pair with Iljo Keisse here," Wiggins admitted.

"Riding with Mark is also special, but he has such a long season behind him. Mark has been driving competitively since the Cadel Evans Road Race (January 31) which is really impressive."

Will the Six Days of Ghent be the last race in the career? 

"I can only answer that on Sunday. First I want to win here."