The sixth rider of general classification of SEC, third in Togliatti, Russia, had a nasty crash in Sweden. He has right ankle sprain of the second degree with the damage of the tri - angular ligament. It sounds complicated but “Duzers” calms that he will manage to recover for another round of Speedway European Championships which is on the 9th of August in Holsted.
Patryk, unfortunately you had real bad luck in Sweden and got injured. Do you remember what exactly happened?
- After the start Oliver Bertzon’s bike and mine interlocked and as a result his hook was in my front wheel and worked as a brake. I hit the track with my head and the bike fell on my leg. Generally I was also lucky because the injury could be even worse. I was afraid that my knee suffered.
How long will the break last?
- Honestly, I would like to come back as soon as possible so my rehabilitation is really intensive. At this moment it’s difficult to say when I will be able to come back to racing but I hope that I will be ready for the league match with Unia Leszno or for SEC tournament in Holsted at the latest.
The first tournament in Gustrow wasn’t very successful for you. Why?
- Well, I couldn’t find the right setups for the track. I was riding there for the first time in my life and that meant a lot. I wasn’t able to start well and I wasn’t fast enough.
The organizers and observers praised the atmosphere of the tournament. What can you say on this subject from the rider’s perspective?
- I had heard earlier that the atmosphere in Gustrow during different tournaments is really unbelievable and SEC also showed it. It is really rare indeed that three hours before the event there are so many people at the stadium.
In Togliatti your score was clearly better – you were third although you were in the lead in the final. Is there insufficiency?
- In a way we can say that because I was in the lead indeed. I tried to ride as well as I could, I was on the inside but I was too slow and Nicki Pederse and Emil Sajfutdinow overtook me on the outside.
Is SEC in some way fulfillment in your calendar during holiday break in Polish league?
- Generally I didn’t feel this break too much because there were still some tournaments and matches in other leagues. Honestly, I had only four day break but it was enough for me because I was fresh again, which could be seen during the tournament in Togliatti.
When would you be satisfied as far as your score in SEC is concerned?
- Generally I wouldn’t like to be at the end. The minimum which I established for myself before the series started was first eight. However the tournament in Togliatti showed that you can fight with everyone and some hope before Holsted appeared. Of course I can’t say that there is some kind of pressure or something like that – I just try to do my best and score as many points as I can.
Many fans wonder why #69?
- There is no secret in it (laugh). In the past, during different games I liked this number. The summary of 6 and 9 is 15 so great score for every rider. Definitely there is no other meaning in this choice (laugh).
Marek Cieślak hasn’t chosen you for the national team. Do you think that there is still chance for you to be in the squad?
- I am rather calm as far as this subject is concerned. My form wasn’t stable, the best rider will ride. Honestly, before this injury I had hoped that maybe I manage to be in the national team. I had counted that good scores would help me. Unfortunately the injury has destroyed this plans.
