Bartosz Smektała is one of three Poles, which are in TOP 5 before the final round of TAURON SEC series. The 24-year-old rider has a high chance of staying in the series for the next season.
Every year, a place in the TOP 5 guarantees a spot in next year's Individual European Championships. Currently, the last safe spot belongs to Bartosz Smektała, who scored 26 points so far, and has five points more than Piotr Pawlicki, Rasmus Jensen and Dominik Kubera. Each one of them will push hard to score as many points as possible and get promoted to the TAURON SEC 2023. It's worth to mention, that Kubera is replacing injured Kai Huckenbeck, and despite the fewer number of rounds in which he took part, the Pole is still in the battle about top spots.
Daniel Bewley and Oliver Berntzon are currently six points behind Smektała. The British Champion couldn't take part in the first round, which was held in Rybnik, although he stood on the lowest step of the podium in Gustrow. The Swed had ups and downs in the series, but for sure, he will fight about favourable places to the very end.
If Smektała keeps his nerves in control, in Pardubice he can secure his spot in next year's competition. Even though five-point advantage isn't much, but Bartosz also has five points less than fourth Mikkel Michelsen, which means, he can end TAURON SEC 2022 higher than fifth.
Pardubice is a special place for Bartosz Smetała. In 2018, on the Plochodrazni Stadion, the Pole became the Individual Junior World Champion in an unusual style. He won seven races in a row, and not only reduced the loss to the leader, but also finish the series with a few points advantage.
Will Friday evening belong to Bartosz Smektała? We'll find out soon.
