The six day race is a gloriously old-fashioned mix of track cycling, music and beer. Riders race in pairs around a steep wooden track for six evenings, with points, sprints and madison relays deciding the winners, while the crowd in the infield eats, drinks and sings along.
Rotterdam’s version has moved from its traditional January slot to the start of December, which makes it a handy pre-Christmas night out with colleagues or friends. You do not need to understand the scoring to enjoy the speed and the atmosphere.
- When: Tuesday 1 to Sunday 6 December 2026. Sessions start at 19:00 from Tuesday to Friday, 15:30 on Saturday and 13:00 on Sunday.
- Where: Ahoy Arena, Rotterdam Ahoy
- Tickets: from €15 via Ticketmaster, with parking sold separately
- Getting there: from Rotterdam Centraal take metro D or E to Zuidplein, then walk a few minutes to Ahoy.
Good to know: evening sessions run late, so check the last trains home before you settle in.
Planning your year? See everything on the events calendar.
