The Lotto Six Days of Flanders-Ghent were scheduled to take place in the Ghent Kuipke from 17th till 22nd November 2020, but will be postponed by one year. Under the current circumstances, it is impossible to organise an entirely corona-proof event without taking away from the essence of the event.
Over the last weeks, the City of Ghent and organisers Golazo and Christophe Sercu examined all possible options for allowing a corona-proof Lotto Zesdaagse Vlaanderen-Ghent to go ahead this year. Together they have had to conclude that the current corona measures and the Kuipke’s infrastructure do not lend themselves to organising a safe Six Days.
“Regardless of how disappointed we are at having to postpone the Six Days, health and safety must take precedence for both visitors and riders”, says Sofie Bracke, alderman for Sport of the city of Ghent. “But this year will not be a lost cause. The cooperation agreement that was concluded only last year for a term of six years will just be extended. We are already looking forward to next winter and will make it an extra big celebration of cycling.”
“The Six Days is an audience event par excellence and thrives on a full capacity venue”, add Christophe Sercu and Golazo, co-organisers of Lotto Zesdaagse Vlaanderen-Ghent. “The charm of the Kuipke is what makes it so special, but that’s also what makes it unsuitable for the critical density of the crowd whilst complying with the appropriate health measures in view of the current situation. Without the atmosphere and interaction between riders and spectators, the essence of the Six Days is lost. Not to mention the difficulty of attracting a strong enough group of participants from all over the world to appear at the start.”
The tickets for this edition will remain valid for next year’s edition. The Lotto Zesdaagse Vlaanderen-Ghent will take place from 16th to 21nd November 2021.
