Can Poland retain their title?

The Final of this year’s FIM Team Speedway Under 21 World Championship takes place in Denmark and the declared teams have now been announced. Qualification meetings have been held in Riga and Glasgow and as a result Poland, Sweden and Great Britain join hosts Denmark in Outrup on 18th August. 

The format of the competition follows a similar pattern to that of the Speedway World Cup with racing over 20 heats, and nominations for Heats 17-20 at the discretion of the Team Manager. Tactical Substitutes and a ‘Joker’ scoring double points are permitted in the programmed races where a team is 8 points or more behind the leading team. 

Last year’s winners Poland have announced a strong line up with no less than three of their squad in the leading field for the Under 21 Individual Championship and look to be favourites to retain their team title. 
As part of Great Britain’s development programme, Team Manager Neil Vatcher maintains faith in the team that soundly beat Australia in the Glasgow Semi Final. Whilst they may lack the experience of some of their rivals these young riders are not short of enthusiasm and will be looking to spring a few surprises.

Sweden have had a disappointing year to date in Under 21 competitions and with a largely untried team could find it hard to be in contention for a medal that would restore some pride and confidence to their promising riders.

Denmark are also looking strong and much will be expected of them by the home fans. Their riders have been performing consistently in the individual title chase and the advantage of a home track should help them to raise their game and cause a few problems to the favourites.

With some exciting racing in prospect and an early evening start the forward looking Outrup club will be hoping for a bumper crowd to repay their efforts in organising this meeting. There will be a morning practice and racing action begins with a parade at 19.00 local time. FIM Officials in charge will be Britain’s Mick Bates as Jury President and Alex Lyatosinskyy from Ukraine the referee.

Graham Brodie, for FIM