The duo have won the opening two events of the series in London and Amsterdam respectively, with the results giving them a 70 point lead over Germany’s Leif Lampater and Marcel Kalz overall.

Having triumphed at the Berlin Velodrome last year, de Pauw believes the crowd will expect them to triumph this week.

"People expect us up there, but it’s not always going to be possible to win everywhere," he said.

"When other teams are looking out for us, it makes it very hard to gain a lap because you are the team to beat and you have that target.

"It brings some stress, but I think that expectation is something that we need.

"It keeps everything fresh and with the pressure comes the fun as well, so it’s something that we need and we’re getting more and more used to it with each race."

Competition will take place from January 19 to 24, with scratch and madison events among the scheduled races throughout the week.

The series intends to give six day racing a "21st Century makeover", with a television-friendly format set to feature international teams of riders across multiple events during the six days.

The top 12 male and female riders throughout the series will qualify for a one night final event, which will take place in Palma, Mallorca.

Following the event in Berlin, Copenhagen’s Ballerup Super Arena will hold the fourth competition from January 26 to 31.

It will proceed the season climax in Mallorca on March 17.

A women’s omnium competition will run alongside the men’s event, but it will not feature Britain’s Laura Kenny.

The four-time Olympic champion had been due to take to the start-line, but has withdrawn after suffering a hamstring strain.