Has it been the best meeting this year? We still have got 2 months ahead from finishing the season, but this clash in the second round of Speedway Euro Championship in Daugavpils can easily be a candidate for this title. Who hasn't seen it, should definitely regret.
From the very morning of Saturday in Daugavpils, there were rainy clouds all around and the organizers were looking at the forecast with anxiety. Luckily, not only the meeting, but also practice got through with no bigger problems, and dewy track became an arena of fantastic racing.
First series of starts brought a lot of emotions to the fans of speedway. There was some great fight on the distance straight from the inaugural heat at the track of Lokomotiv. Losing a start didn't cross the chances for winning, but on the other hand a quick start under the tape did not guarantee a success. Krzysztof Kasprzak realized it after winning most of his starts and ending the meeting full of nerves and in a bad mood, reaching only five points.
- That's how it is, whenever you're not doing good, nerves come up - said later KK, who was a vice-leader of the general classification before this round.
In the same way, thanks to some fantastic fight at the distance and some tough tackles of rivals, local's favourite - Andzejs Lebedevs lost some points as well. Moreover, it was similar with Joonas Kylmaekorpi, who lost the ultimate win at the last meters in the final heat.
On Saturday's evening, also a referee had a lot of work. In nearly every heat, riders were struggling hard, shoulder to shoulder, close to faul and while searching for a spot at the track, they were often bouncing off the bands. We had few falls and exclusions, but they did not cover a spectacular show.
When most of riders were looking for speed at the outside part of the track, close to the air fences, Grigorij Laguta made a surprising and deciding attack to reach the final. Russian proved that he knows all the paths in Daugavpils, so he could enjoy his fully-deserved triumph.
- It was something truly fantastic. This atmosphere, this place, these people and the win. There is nothing better than that - said Grigorij Laguta.
It is worth adding that after crossing the finish line, rain came up over Daugavpils. Decoration of winners was held during a real downpour.
