Jasper de Baist and Roger Kluge took the first lead in the Ghent Six, bringing spectators back to the legendary 166m 't Kuipke despite COVID-19's strict rules and ban on beer sales at the track center.

Rider Lot Soudal usually leads Caleb Yuan, but they scored a total of 78 points in different races and took a one-lap lead in the all-important Madison race.

Kenny de Ketele won the points race in the opening round, European champion Jan-Willem van Schip and Yoeli Havik won the team competition, and Tour Dens and Marc Hester won the time trial.

Mikhail Morkov won the final sprint and took the first Madison of the competition with another world champion, Lasse Norman Hansen. Iljo Keisse and Mark Cavendish also won the later Madison to take 20 points.

Kenny de Ketele and Rob Giss are second with 78 points, but by one lap, while Morkoff and Norman Hansen are third overall with 65 points and one lap. Casey and Cavendish are fourth with 57 points and one lap.

Casey's victory in the Darnley race sparked cheers from the crowd, but the COVID-19 rules restricting alcohol consumption at the venue dampened the enthusiasm of the fans, who were enjoying the race in their usual drunken state somewhat.

Spectators were restricted and were required to show proof of vaccination and wear masks in the stands and track center. Beer and french fries were served only in the well-appointed basement of the velodrome or in a special tent outside. Fans traditionally continue to drink late into the night after the race, but this year the Ghent Six closed its doors around 1:00 a.m., when the race was over.

"This is an opportunity to do something different," de Ketele told Belgian media. 'It's nice to have a pint, but maybe people will see that the race is something more exciting.'

Health inspectors were reportedly present at the velodrome to make sure the event was safe, and the local COVID-19 consultative committee will meet Wednesday to determine further restrictions that could endanger the remaining Ghent 6.

The COVID-19 virus has recently spread significantly in Ghent and East Flanders, setting a new infection record last week. Many people have been vaccinated, but as winter arrives in Belgium, the number of cases continues to rise, especially among those who have not been vaccinated in hospitals.

"This week will be a party if everyone does their best," Christophe Impens of event organizer Golazo told Het Nieuwsblad.

"I warned the athletes that while it may be a 'lite' version of the six-day race in terms of decibels, it is not in terms of sport. We expect them to put on a show."