Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Iljo Keisse, and teammate Glenn O'Shea, earned the 60th win for OPQS in 2012 — in three disciplines — winning an absolute battle that came down to the final sprints of the six days.
Keisse and O'Shea started the day off strong, winning a Derny heat, as well as Points Race and Team Elimination events on Sunday.
However, in the final event of the day (the Madison/Ploegkoers), Robert Bartko and Silvan Dillier took the lead by a lap within the first 25 minutes. Keisse and O'Shea fought back, getting back into the lead after 32 minutes. Leading by 12 points in the final 5 sprints, O'Shea kept the duo in the lead by winning the third sprint. Keisse and O'Shea led by six points in the final sprint, and were able to hold on for the exciting victory.
Team Omega Pharma was leading the overall going into the final day, after holding the lead for several days.
"It was a great race!" Keisse said. "I want to thank my teammate for all that he did during this race. We didn't race before together, so we had to get used to each other. But we did it. There was some doubt about our 'team,' but I think that Glenn showed some great skills. I would like to thank also my team for the support they give always. Last but not least let me thank the great public of Gent. They make the 6-days of Gent the best track race of the world!"
Final Ranking
1. Iljo Keisse/Glenn O'Shea (Team Omega Pharma) 484 points
2. Gijs Van Hoecke/Kenny De Ketele (Team Topsport Vlaanderen -Mercator) 472
3. Silvan Dillier/Robert Bartko (Team Mega Doe-Het-Zeif - John Saey) 335
4. Marc Hester/Hansen Lasse (Team VDK) 245 (+4 laps)
5. Wim Stroetinga/Peter Schep (Team ADMB) 138 (+9 laps)
