Zmarzlik extends series lead with impressive victory in Riga

Defending world champion Bartosz Zmarzlik extended his series lead by taking victory in the ninth round of the FIM Speedway Grand Prix in Riga, Latvia.

The four-time world champion had seen his series lead cut after failing to make the final in the two previous rounds.

However, the Polish star returned to winning ways, taking the 24th Grand Prix victory of his career and an important one in the title race.

Zmarzlik had to recover from a heavy crash during his opening ride in Riga, one that saw title rival Mikkel Michelsen taken away in an ambulance for treatment.

After winning the final of his heats to progress, Zmarzlik was in commanding form in the final leading from the opening lap before celebrating victory.

“Wow, there was really big drama today in Riga,” said Zmarzlik. “At the start I had a few hits already, really bad.

“I’m felt bad and I had the wrong set-up on my bike, I felt really slow. The track today was really hard and I needed to focus to make small or big points.

“I had a good feeling before the semi-final and felt that I could come back for tonight, I also had the hard gate in the semi-final and final.

“I’m really happy because winning today was really hard. It was an amazing night for me. A big thanks for my team and tuner. When it’s hard, everyone is working for me.”

Fredrik Lindgren finished second in the Grand Prix and the Swedish rider is now Zmarzlik’s closest rival overall – 17 points behind.

“It’s going pretty well, but I really wanted that win tonight,” said Lindgren. “I didn’t as Bartosz was too good in the final.

“I’ll take them points, it was not a bad night. There are still a few points to go for, so we’ll give it a good go.”

Finishing third on the night was British rider Dan Bewley, who saw his record of four wins from as many finals come to an end.

“I always race to win even when I’m having a tough night,” said Bewley. “I made a good start in the final but messed the first corner up.

“It’s awesome, congratulations to Bartosz and Fredrik. Especially Bartosz, who had a bit of a poor night with some crashes, it was a good fight from him.”

Despite qualifying quickest overall, title contender Michelsen crashed out in a dramatic heat.

During his first ride of the evening, the Danish rider went side-by-side with reigning world champion Zmarzlik.

Both riders tangled and slid together into the barriers, resulting in Michelsen being taken to hospital.

The first semi-final saw the top three in the series go head-to-head, and it was Lindgren who finished ahead of Zmarzlik, as Robert Lambert lost out.

They were joined in the final by Bewley and Max Fricke, who both had impressive evenings.

Despite Bewley starting quickest in the final, he was quickly passed by a determined Zmarzlik and Lindgren on the first turn.

It was defending champion Zmarzlik who showed his class to triumph ahead of Lindgren in second and Bewley third.