Starting next Tuesday, Iljo Keisse will be hard at work in the Six Days of Gent, a race he has already won four times. For Iljo this race is one of the most important events in the year. “I was born and raised in Gent and ‘Het Kuipke’ velodrome is like a second home to me,” explained Iljo. “I used to come here as a spectator back when I was a kid, then throughout the years I became one of the players. I love the atmosphere in the air here and the warmth of the fans. That’s something you don’t often find in a 6 day event.
Iljo will be paired with Australian Glenn O’Shea. “He is the Omnium World Champion”, continued Iljo, “a great athlete trained by Matthew Gilmore, someone who knows a thing or two about 6 day races. Glenn is as motivated for this race as I am. I can’t wait to hit the track! The competition is fierce, I think our biggest threat are De Ketele and Van Hoecke, but as always in the 6 days there could also be other pairs ready to battle for victory.”
Iljo then reflected on his season on the track. “I’m not going to ride on the track a lot this winter. My goal for next year is the road. I would really like to give it my all to the service of the team. The track will always be one of my true loves.”
Go for it, Iljo! Good luck!
