Zmarzlik extends collection lead with spectacular victory in Riga

Protecting international champion Bartosz Zmarzlik prolonged his collection lead by way of taking victory within the 9th spherical of the FIM Speedway Grand Prix in Riga, Latvia.

The four-time international champion had observed his collection lead minimize after failing to make the general within the two earlier rounds.

Alternatively, the Polish superstar returned to successful tactics, taking the twenty fourth Grand Prix victory of his profession and crucial one within the identify race.

Zmarzlik needed to get better from a heavy crash right through his opening journey in Riga, person who noticed identify rival Mikkel Michelsen taken away in an ambulance for remedy.

After successful the general of his heats to growth, Zmarzlik was once in commanding shape within the last main from the hole lap earlier than celebrating victory.

“Wow, there was once actually giant drama as of late in Riga,” stated Zmarzlik. “Firstly I had a couple of hits already, actually dangerous.

“I’m felt dangerous and I had the unsuitable set-up on my motorcycle, I felt actually gradual. The observe as of late was once actually arduous and I had to center of attention to make small or giant issues.

“I had a just right feeling earlier than the semi-final and felt that I may just come again for this night, I additionally had the arduous gate within the semi-final and last.

“I’m actually satisfied as a result of successful as of late was once actually arduous. It was once an awesome evening for me. A large thank you for my workforce and tuner. When it’s arduous, everybody is operating for me.”

Fredrik Lindgren completed 2nd within the Grand Prix and the Swedish rider is now Zmarzlik’s closest rival total – 17 issues in the back of.

“It’s going beautiful neatly, however I actually sought after that win this night,” stated Lindgren. “I didn’t as Bartosz was once too just right within the last.

“I’ll take them issues, it was once no longer a nasty evening. There are nonetheless a couple of issues to head for, so we’ll give it a just right cross.”

Completing 3rd at the evening was once British rider Dan Bewley, who noticed his file of 4 wins from as many finals come to an finish.

“I at all times race to win even if I’m having a tricky evening,” stated Bewley. “I made a just right get started within the last however messed the primary nook up.

“It’s superior, congratulations to Bartosz and Fredrik. Particularly Bartosz, who had a bit of of a deficient evening with some crashes, it was once a just right battle from him.”

In spite of qualifying fastest total, identify contender Michelsen crashed out in a dramatic warmth.

Throughout his first journey of the night, the Danish rider went side-by-side with reigning international champion Zmarzlik.

Each riders tangled and slid in combination into the limitations, leading to Michelsen being taken to health facility.

The primary semi-final noticed the highest 3 within the collection cross head-to-head, and it was once Lindgren who completed forward of Zmarzlik, as Robert Lambert misplaced out.

They have been joined within the last by way of Bewley and Max Fricke, who each had spectacular evenings.

In spite of Bewley beginning fastest within the last, he was once briefly handed by way of a decided Zmarzlik and Lindgren at the first flip.

It was once protecting champion Zmarzlik who confirmed his elegance to triumph forward of Lindgren in 2nd and Bewley 3rd.