He?s just an 18-year-old but Fabio Van Den Bossche is already taking part in his first Six Days of Ghent. The Belgian is teaming up with Dutchman Nick Stöpler. The two are gaining a lot of experience as they follow 17 laps behind the leaders.
“I was just a one-year-old when I first came here to watch my dad Gunther race in the Six Days, but I don’t remember that,” Van Den Bossche said. “Cycling is in our blood, because my grandfather and uncle raced as well. When I was about twelve I started coming to Het Kuipke on the weekend to watch the riders turn laps on the track. And now I am here myself. It’s an incredible feeling.”
In several disciplines the tandem Van Den Bossche/Stöpler is managing to score a respectable amount of points. The madison is a huge challenge against the best riders. “We’re a little bit lightweight compared to couples with Keisse, De Ketele, De Buyst. But there’s no pressure. I’ve still got a couple of days to enjoy my first Six Days. It will be tough, but that’s part of it. I am happy to have received the opportunity to take part in this 78th edition. ”
A picture is going round on social media where Van Den Bossche is sitting on Iljo Keisse’s lap as a fan. This year they reproduced the picture. “It was Iljo’s idea to do that again. It’s a nice souvenir, but I’ll also remember my first Six Days for a long time,” Van Den Bossche added.
