German duo Robert Bartko and Roger Kluge have rewritten history by being the first German couple to win the Amsterdam Six Day. For Bartko, 33, it was already his 13th victory having being crowned winner in Amsterdam two years ago with former partner, Belgian Iljo Keisse. For the 23 year old Kluge it was second six day victory but his focus could change having signed a one year contract with Germany’s Milram.
“I am extremely happy with this win because there were several strong teams” said Kluge to WielerMagazine, “I had a really strong teammate” he added. But Bartko was quick to reply, “Roger was also very strong.” The new duo established a large points lead and lap advantage on their rivals. An exciting finale saw them distance Swiss duo Bruno Risi and Franco Marvulli by taking a slim four point margin, taking the win ahead of Risi-Marvulli with German-Dutch combo of Danny Stam and Leif Lampater finishing a respectable third.
Risi, 41, will be retiring after this season, his last appearance in Amsterdam was awarded with a booming applause as he stood upon the second highest step of the podium. Risi has been one of the most succesful six day specialists, winning in Berlin, Zurich, and Hasselt just last year. He was also a strong points race rider, winning numerous world championships in his lengthy career.
Final standing Amsterdam Six Day:
1. Bartko – Kluge 1 rnd 264 pnt
2. Risi – Marvulli 1 rnd 250 pnt
3. Stam – Lampater 1 rnd 235 pnt
4. De Ketele – Keisse 1 rnd 216 pnt
5. Bos – Schep 11 rnd 226 pnt
6. Van Bon – Stroetinga 11 rnd 138 pnt
7. Pronk – Pronk 13 rnd 79 pnt
8. Ligthart – Vermeulen 15 rnd 107 pnt
9. Vierhouten – Mouris 16 rnd 66 pnt
10. Jonkman – Van der Zwet 23 rnd 36 pnt
11. Donadio – Viviani 27 rnd 107 pnt
12. Traksel – Veldt 29 rnd 130 pnt
13. Van Hummel – Hester 30 rnd 72 pnt
14. Vingerling – Stöpler 32 rnd 36 pnt
15. Kip – Pieters 34 rnd 53 pnt