Mikkel Michelsen became the Individual European Champion 2021. In Rybnik, cheered by the local audience, the Dane reached for his second career title.
From the beginning of this year's SEC cycle Michelsen was in the lead. In Bydgoszcz he advanced to the final but was excluded from the race for causing a fall of Leon Madsen. In Güstrow, he dropped out in the race off, in which he was beaten by Madsen. As in 2019, Michelsen had a brilliant performance during the third round. In Gdańsk, the Dane won the tournament, and thanks to his high score he equaled Piotr Pawlicki in points. Before the final in Rybnik, Michelsen was in the situation he wanted to be in - the situation that depended only on him. Before the last race of the whole cycle he had a three-point lead over Madsen, so any points scored in the final assured him the title of Individual European Champion. In the end Madsen won, but Michelsen finished just behind him.
- It's incredible. It means a world to me. It's been good, I was pretty consistent through all the rounds. Like I said back in Gdańsk - I'm happy that I put myself in that position because it was all up to me. Having my friends and everyone here to support me, it just gave me an extra motivation.
Just like last year, the winner of the Speedway Euro Championship saves a spot in the next year’s Grand Prix. For Michelsen it will be a return to the Individual World Championship lineup.
- Of course, it's great to be an European Champion, but I was fighting hard to be back to GP series and that is probably what I'm the happiest about. The win is win and title is title. I'm so grateful and humble. I feel like hard work pays off sometimes.
The final round of SEC 2021 took place in Rybnik and the stands where full of local fans. The Dane lives in the city, and that meant a huge portion of support from the local fans.
- I was surprised with the amount of support I got tonight. I live here, but I couldn't imagine that crazy support from local fans. I'm very grateful for that. It's amazing.
After the final race, Michelsen was celebrating his success together with the fans and his team. He said it was an emotional moment.
- I was crying like a small baby when I crossed the line, because it means a world to me. Being back in GP next year is where I want to be, it's the next step for me.
