Results of the 1999 Fiorenzuola d'Arda Six Day Race

27th July to 1st August 1999

Six-day stars play in the summer sunshine

Whilst most six-day bike races are held in indoor velodromes during the cold, dark winter months, there are a couple of exceptions. One such is the Fiorenzuola Six, held in Italy each summer. Fiorenzuola d'Arda is a small town about 60 km south of Milan on the main motorway. It may be a small community, but it boasts an outdoor velodrome that basks in the Italian sunshine, and it is here that the six-day race is held. The riders only race from 8 pm until midnight - a short day's work for a six-day rider, but it is an important training race for the pro cyclists as they build up their fitness ahead of the main winter season. And of course, they all still want to win!

A view of the Fiorenzuola six-day bike race: Note the track-centre restaurant, the betting
information and, importantly, the beer tent selling real German wheat beer!

This year, the star billings are Mario Cipollini, out to prove he is good enough for a place in Italy's world championship track squad for the world track championships in Berlin in October, the new Italian points race champion Adriano Baffi, and former world junior sprint champion (and Giro stage winner) Ivan Quaranta. This race also marks a return to six-day racing for reigning world Madison champion Matt Gilmore.

Fat Nick decided this sound like a nice summer break, and I will be flying out to Fiorenzuola with my camera to watch the last three nights of the race. The race organisers' web site also mentioned something about "good food, bars and lots of pretty girls", so Fat Nick will feel duty-bound to check all those out, too! Fat Nick stayed at the "Hotel Domus" in Fiorenzuola. Wherever you stay, make sure you get a room with air conditioning.

Oh, whilst I'm writing, let me take this opportunity to wish a speedy recovery to Danish six-day man Tayeb Braikia, who I understand has broken a foot in a finishing sprint during a road race. Get well soon, Tayeb.

Here are some initial photos, and I'll post some more over the coming week (3rd Aug).

• Adriano Baffi waits for his partner to throw him into the race
• World madison champion Matt Gilmore
• A madison change: world champion Etienne de Wilde slings his partner Matt Gilmore into the race
• Race winners Mario Cipollini and Andrea Collinelli
• Italian six-day star Marco Villa
• The Lion King chats up a (female!) fan
• Setting the scene: The Fiorenzuola track under the floodlights.

Final Results:

And while you're here, why not have a look at some photos of bike racing action from other six-day cycle races?

• Do you have any news about the Fiorenzuola Six? Drop an e-mail to if you do, or send him a fax at 0044 161 476 2914 - Fat Nick does not read a word of Italian, but he knows people who do, so grotty photocopies of results sheets and local newspapers are gratefully received!

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