Maciej Janowski made a remarkable return to the Individual European Championships. After more than an eleven-year brake from the series, the Polish rider finished the first round of TAURON SEC 2024 in second place.
The beginning of the competition in Debrecen was not successful for him. In his first race, Janowski was excluded after a collision with Piotr Pawlicki, who fell on the first turn of the second lap. ‘Magic’ mentioned after the event that he was quite surprised by the condition of the Hungarian track.
- It was a tough competition for me. For the first time in my career, I raced in 30-degree Celsius heat on a track full of mud. Additionally, I didn't make it easier on myself with the exclusion in the first race.
Despite the tough start, Janowski managed to regain control. Thanks to his vast experience, and the following races went much better. He finished the regular phase in third place and secured his spot in the final through victory in the ‘last-chance’ heat. In the final race, he initially overtook Andzejs Lebedevs but quickly lost the lead due to a mistake and ultimately crossed the finish line in second place.
- In the subsequent starts, everything returned to normal. Thanks to the hard work of my entire team, my bike was getting faster each race. I'm glad I managed to make it to the final race. I was close to winning, but made a small mistake.
For Janowski, this was a return to the Speedway Euro Championship after 11 years. How did the 2022 FIM SGP bronze medalist approach the inaugural round in Debrecen?
- I was motivated and confident that I could win. I try to approach every competition with that mindset.
The next round of this year's European Championship will take place in Grudziądz. Janowski will enter the event as the second rider in the interim classification.
- The second round of TAURON SEC 2024 will be just as exciting, and my attitude will be just as determined.
