1971 - Post-Sercu Unbeatable .. Again

Since the individual Penny farthing races at the end of the last century in the Agricultural Hall, Islington, through the two-man 145 hour marathons of the pre- and post-war years, to the super fast nightly racing of our SKOL 6, Sixday racing has undergone a great many changes and all for the better.

No longer can the old timers look back at the past through rose coloured spectacles. In all its forms sport has progressed enormously, especially during the last decade and here on this beautiful track at the Empire Pool we are seeing the ultimate in the evolution of the super racing cyclist.

Speed is the essential requirement of today's sportsman and how well the SKOL 6 professionals emphasise this. The skill and stamina of the madison will always remain the basis of our race, but who can fail to wonder at the fantastic displays of sustained speed by Peter Post behind the small motors.

The time is also past when there was a need to bring the entire cast of stars to Wembley for what was once, purely a continental sport. The SKOL 6 has produced its own star in Tony Gowland. Not only did he finish the race last year in second place partnered by Sigi Renz, but he fought Post behind the motors and thrilled the crowds in the sprints and devils. He has made the grade on his own and I believe his achievement to be lasting.

A new face in the SKOL 6 will be that of a rider we have missed in the past years, Yorkshireman Barry Hoban. We hope that Barry will tackle the boards with the same determination he shows on the roads during the Tour de France. The Midlands will once again be represented by Hugh Porter, bronze medallist in the recent world championships.
Whatever the final result of the SKOL 6 at midnight on Wednesday, I know the riders on the track and Race Director Arie van Vliet will have given their best to provide a race packed with excitement. But don't keep it a secret, please do tell your friends how it ended!

Ron Webb
SKOL 6 Organiser

Retirements were - Carlo RANCATI, Norbert SEEUWS, Reg BARNETT, Theo VERSCHUEREN, Jackie SIMES, Trevor BULL

SKOL GRAND PRIX
Likely SKOL 6 riders of the future are being catered for with the promotion of a three night race for amateurs at the Meadowbank track, Edinburgh. The wooden 250 metre track was built for the 1970 Commonwealth Games. The race has been given the title 'SKOL GRAND PRIX' and next year will take place in July. The result of the 1971 SKOL GRAND PRIX was:
1. R. Cox (Birmingham)—J. Patston (Birmingham)
2. M. Bennett (Birmingham)—G. Ferriman (South Africa)
3. R. Bakker (Holland) - J. Gerritsen (Holland)
Added to this, the specialised coaching available at the old SKOL 6 track now at the Calshot Activities centre in Hampshire, will give British riders opportunities far ahead of most European countries.
from the 1971 race programme...

International Cycle Sport provided a preview in the September issue and the race report in the October issue. But we don’t have either issue - just the November edition. Can anyone scan the Skol pages and e-mail them?

A copy of the programme has now been bought and used to provide the Team Details. Any copies of other material would also be very helpful.

1923-1980 British Riders and Race Programmes

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