Leon Madsen celebrated his first TAURON SEC triumph in 2023. As well on the podium of the inaugural round in Częstochowa were Mikkel Michelsen and Szymon Woźniak.
The track favored close battles from the very beginning, which kept the fans entertained throughout the event. The start of the competition did not go well for the current European Champion. In his first race, he finished a distant third place, struggling to find speed. Despite the slow start, Madsen only improved from there. In his subsequent heats, he crossed the finish line first.
- In our first race, we completely missed the setup. However, we made certain changes after that, and I felt much better on my bike. From then on, I remained unbeaten until the end of the competition - said Madsen.
Mikkel Michelsen proved to be Madsen's main rival. The 29-year-old rider won all but one of his heats in the main phase. After five races, both he and Madsen had thirteen points. The final race determined the winner, and despite a phenomenal start, Michelsen had to give up the pole position to his fellow countryman.
- I did everything perfectly. However, I don't know what I was thinking on the second lap, taking such a wide line on the corner. Unfortunately, my idea didn't work out at all, and Leon took advantage of it. After that, it was hard for me to catch up with him. He was really fast - Michelsen commented on the final race.
Szymon Woźniak's final result was a positive surprise. The Polish rider competed in Częstochowa as a replacement for the injured Janusz Kołodziej. He expressed his joy of participating in the Saturday event.
- It's a huge honor for me to compete in such a prestigious lineup. It's a bit of a shame that this was most likely a one-time adventure for me in TAURON SEC 2023 - noted Woźniak.
From the beginning, Woźniak had no problems finding his rhythm on the track. Additionally, he consistently made excellent starts from the gates. He finished the main phase with eleven points to his name. Thanks to his victory in the last-chance heat, Woźniak advanced to the final race, which he finished third.
- I think I showed what I'm capable of. It was a phenomenal day. I felt very comfortable in Częstochowa - said the Polish rider.
Despite his high final position, Woźniak admitted that he and his mechanics were searching for the perfect bike setup during the competition.
- I lacked a bit of speed. Throughout the event, I tried to find it without compromising my starts. As you can see from the result, it worked out - concluded Woźniak.
The first round of this year's battle for the title of European Champion took place in Częstochowa. Two riders representing the local team Włókniarz stood on the podium. One of them was Michelsen, who highlighted the enthusiastic support of local fans in Częstochowa.
- The atmosphere at the stadium was very good. As riders, we certainly want to see even more fans coming to the stadiums. It's an incredible feeling to ride on your home track - said the Danish rider.
