First round of Speedway Euro Championship in Güstrow looked a bit different than both riders and experts predicted. Poor performance by the favourites, rainy aura and an early ending of the rivalry, before the final, but also some great racing and tons of emotions - that could be the highlight of the Individual European Championship's inauguration.
There is no denying that most of riders - including the favourites - had some real difficulties with adjusting to the conditions at the track in Güstrow. You could see it not only during the fight at the track, but also in the points gathered.
- It was not supposed to be like that. I counted on more - said Leon Madnsen (7 points)
This attitude was followed by Peter Ljung, who finished every single heat at the third place.
- It was hard to race in these conditions. Few races, break, few races more and a break again. - Swede was angry after the meeting.
Nicki Pedersen went even further with his opinion. After five heats, he said: ″This track is not fit for racing″.
Rain in Güstrow was making the rivalry harder, but did not ruin it.
- Conditions were tough, but still we had some very electrifying racing. It was cool - said Krzysztof Kasprzak, who gathered 11 points in the main series and got through to the final. - Surely, the organizers made the right decision - not to make the final. I talked to Janusz Kołodziej and Przemek Pawlicki, who practically saw nothing during the semi-final, even tough they ended it at the top 2 positions. There was no sense to make a risk, season is long. I am happy though to stand at the podium.
