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Copies of the 1974 Skol 6 programme are online at flickr here...
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Held from 20 to 25-Sep-1974
“To welcome PATRICK SERCU to the SKOL 6 is always a great pleasure for he has been the animator of so much of the excitement we have savoured here at Wembley.
But since we last saw Patrick in action lie has achieved two most extraordinary results. In December, at Mexico City, he became the first man to ride 1 kilometre in under a minute - 58.5 secs to be exact - a speed of 61.53 kph. Then, on 21st July he rode into Paris in the Green Jersey to signify the most consistent daily performer in the 4,100 kms Tour de France.
To relate Patrick's achievement to athletics, we would need to imagine world 100 metres record holder Steve Williams consistently on terms with the world's best long distance men in 27 marathons one day after another.
Certainly there call be no doubt that Patrick is the sport's greatest ever all rounder.
And we might well have his future challenger already with us at Wembley. Roy Schuiten followed his summer amateur season which included wins in the British Milk Race and the Tour of Holland, by turning professional to win, in his first half dozen rides, the Dutch and World pursuit titles. The SKOL 6 will be his first Six-day race and we shall watch his progress with great interest.
Altogether we have seven new faces at Wembley, two of whom, Haritz and Hempel appear destined to be exciting new additions to the indoor track scene.
Barry Hoban makes one of his all too rare appearances in Britain at the side of brother-in-law, Graeme Gilmore. With several continental Six-day contracts in his pocket, we can expect to see the best performance to date from Barry, who will be out to impress other European promoters visiting London.
Tony Gowland with his flair for the small tracks always rises to the occasion at the Empire Pool and is clearly the favourite with the crowds. When he last rode with Sigi Renz they were very well suited. Since then Sigi has brought his total of wins up to 22 and there will be a lot of people keeping their fingers crossed that this year's SKOL 6 will make 23.
Nigel Dean and Reg Smith make up the British contingent. Nigel rode extremely well last year at his first Six-day attempt and though injury forced his retirement before the end, his aggressive riding has earned him a place ill the 1974 SKOL 6.
There are two additional events oil the programme for your enjoyment during the week. The Lemon Hart KING OF THE TRACK pentathlon on Saturday evening and the Shimano Grand Prix on Tuesday evening, a knockout competition for the four top professional pursuiters.
I hope the SKOL 6 will give you a great deal of pleasure and that the spectacular performances of the riders will remain with you long after the last chase on Wednesday night.” Ron Webb, Skol 6 Organiser
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