We're starting the fight for the European best rider's title. Today in Güstrow, first out of four rounds of Speedway Euro Championship will be held. Meeting starts at 7 PM.
At the starting list, there are 16 riders from 8 countries: 4 Danes, 3 Poles, 3 Swedes, 2 Russians, 1 Czech, 1 Slovakian, 1 Latvian and 1 German.
Emil Sayfutdinov, who won previous 2 editions will do everything to defend the title. In many observers' eyes, Russian is seen as the favourite of this year's cycle.
- It's easy to say, that Emil Sayfutdinov will win the cycle for the third time in a row - said Sam Ermolenko, American speedway legend and Eurosport commentator. - Emil is my favourite, but Nicki Pedersen will be determined to reach a good result in Güstrow. Track in Germany is very tricky. All the contesters do know that and will want to take advantage of this fact and overtake the rivals with reached points.
Russian keeps his calm though and is far from putting an unneccesary pressure on himself.
- I don't see myself as a favourite. I don't treat it that way - says Emil Sayfutdinov. - We're starting new series, and I just want to enjoy my racing.
Huge will to dethrone the champion should fill all the rivals.
- There's one aim. I just want to fight for the podium, not only in Güstrow, but in the whole SEC cycle - said Krzysztof Kasprzak, European Champion from 13 years back. - I am sure that in Germany, we will have some great racing.
It's worth mentioning that the track in Güstrow is one of the most specific in Europe - start and finish line is right after leaving the second corner. It's also the smallest venue of all four. It's only 298 metres long, but there's lots of fight on the distance.
Rivalry in SEC ends on September 17th, and by this time, Europe's best riders will compete three times. After Güstrow, in August, two rounds will be held - in Daugavpils and Togliatti. The Champion of Europe will be the one, who will gather the most points.
Ticket prices:
normal - 30 EUR
discount - 25 EUR
race program: 10 EUR (for the first thousand, special silicon wristbands #LetsMakeSpeedway will be added).
