The two Belgians, who have held the lead since day one, ended on a total of 435 points - 50 more than Germany's Leif Lampater and Marcel Kalz.

The Germans have been their closet challengers throughout but slipped a further five points off the pace as another six races were held across a packed session of racing.

Yoeri Havik and Wim Stroetinga of The Netherlands were the star performers, elevating themselves into contention by virtue of two race victories.

Their triumphs came in the madison chase and the longest lap competitions helped them move closer to the leaders but they have some way to go if they are to usurp the Belgian duo.

De Ketele and De Pauw were sixth in the day's opening race but bounced back in the second, clocking 10.410sec in the 200 metres madison time trial.

The event itself was won by Switzerland's Tristan Marguet and Claudio Imhoff while Lampater and Kalz did enough for second.

The best result for the Belgians came in the two-lap madison time trial, where they powered home in a time of 21.408, though it was not enough for victory as the Swiss duo reigned supreme once again.

In the sprint standings, Germany's Maximilian Levy, a three-time Olympic medallist, leads the way ahead of Dutchman Jeffrey Hoogland.

Joachim Eilers, also of Germany, is third.

In the women's event, Britain's Elinor Barker, a double world junior champion, tops the rankings on 12 points.

Giorgia Bronzini of Italy is in second place, seven adrift of the current leader, while Trine Schmidt of Switzerland is a further six behind.

The event continues with the penultimate day of action tomorrow.