A six-day track cycling race is exactly what you think it might be – a six day race. These races begin in England in the late 1800’s and spread to many regions of the world.

Solo riders, and eventually teams of two riders, would compete and the winner was determined by which rider or team completed the most laps during the time period. The two-man team race was first seen at Madison Square Garden in New York.

While the event took place over 6 days riders were able to ride when they chose and sleep when they liked. Faster riders would typically start later in the day opting instead for the rest.

Six day races first came to Madison Square Garden around 1891. Six day races remained popular in the United States until World War II and continued in NY until 1950.

This photo is from a 6-Day race in Madison Square Garden in December 1908.