The incredible thing is a fact that Russians (earlier known as a Sovier Union) didn't win a single medal in a history of pair world cup! They had a lot of great riders for all these years. Is that a coincidence?
If it's not a lot, duets from Soviet Union qualified to the finals of this tournament only twice. For the first time in 1973 in Boras and it was the time when Russians were closer than ever to the podium. Władimir Gordiejew - Anatolij Kużmian pair was just a point worse than Danes and Poles who were fighting for a lowest step of a podium. Despite of good riding, Soviet Union lacked a leader that would help the team in the most important time of the tournament.
One year later russian duo had an occasion to rehabilitate and compete for a medals. In Manchester we saw Gordiejew again, who wanted a revenge. His partner was Grigorij Chłynowski. Saturday's day in Great Britain didn't belong for them. The riders from Three Crowns country were too strong for their rivals and duet from Soviet Union took one of the last places missing 8 points to the fifth place.
Pair world cup is getting back to speedway calendar after many years. It will be a great chance for Russia because of a great disposition of their squad. Experts think that Eurosport Speedway Best Pairs have 3 favourites and one of them are russian ”duo”. Emil Sajfutdinow and Grigorij Łaguta will be the first squad and Artiom Łaguta will be a reserve rider. Everyone of them is presenting great and effective disposition in this season.
- We want to show good riding and win this tournament. It's important for me because this event will be shown on Eurosport in my country and I want my country to be proud watching our disposition on Motoarena - announces Sajfutdinow, who is trying to win Individual World Champion title this year! The real surprise is an explosion of Grisza's brother form. - I think it could be one of the most interesting events in this season, because of it's characteristics. Pair riding was always exciting for the supporters all around the world. My current form is high and if it will stay on this level, I will be able to help my teammates and compete in Toruń succesfully - said Artiom.
If Russians will be in their present form on Eurosport Speedway Best Pairs in Toruń, we'll surely see them on a podium on 8th June. Will it be the highest step? We'll see it next week!
