Andzejs Lebedevs: I want to be a more consistent rider

The PGE Ekstraliga competition is fast approaching, and the riders are intensively preparing for the first start. Andzejs Lebedevs, a rider for GEZET STAL Gorzów, shared his thoughts in a conversation with ekstraliga.pl about his new club, his preparations for the season, and the challenges he will face in the coming months.

• Anders and I are from the same year and understand each other very well. It’s a very positive environment, both in the team and in the coaching staff – says Lebedevs about the team’s atmosphere.
• The Latvian has introduced swimming training into his routine, which was not his habit before.
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Mikołaj Lemieszek (ekstraliga.pl): How do you feel in the new club? Did you quickly connect with the riders and coaching staff?

Andzejs Lebedevs (GEZET STAL Gorzów): I am very satisfied. The team in the new club is very well built, there are no difficult characters. Everyone is nice and friendly. The speedway environment is small enough that there isn’t anyone on the team I don’t know. Anders and I started together, we’re basically from the same year, having competed in individual tournaments and junior world championships. Everyone around, including the coaching staff, is really nice. The atmosphere in the club is very positive, there’s nothing to complain about.

Are you satisfied?

Yes, definitely. We finally got on the track, so I can start learning the track that is now my ‘home’ one.

How do you assess your preparations for the season? Have you changed anything in your approach? What did your individual preparations look like?

I am already 30, so I’ve had many winters behind me. For sure, some things change because everything becomes routine. There were nuances in the preparations, but I have already worked out my general mode and equipment. As for training, this year I decided to go to the pool regularly, which was not my custom before. The effects are positive because I feel good, physically I have no problems, and on the motorcycle, I feel great. Now it’s mainly about building a base and finding the right settings with the mechanics.

You know the track in Gorzow has its own specificity. Does it suit your riding style? During training, I noticed you tried to ride close to the tape on the first turn. How do you assess this part of the track?

That’s right. The track is specific, especially on the first turn, which is difficult. After the winter break, the track is in various states – we have frosts, changing weather conditions. There are times when the track freezes, then thaws a bit. Currently, it’s soft there, but it doesn’t cause me much trouble when riding alone. A problem might arise if we were competing there in full configuration, but for now, I manage.

Which club in the PGE Ekstraliga do you consider the toughest opponent?

There are several such teams. Certainly, ORLEN OIL MOTOR Lublin, because if they keep their lineup, they will be very strong. BETARD SPARTA Wroclaw will also be stronger this year, especially after acquiring Brady Kurtz, who will add quality. KS Torun is also dangerous, especially with new riders like Jan Kvech and Mikkel Michelsen.

How do you evaluate your performances in the PGE Ekstraliga so far? Are you happy with your progress, or do you still have some goals to achieve?

I am happy with some aspects, but definitely not fully satisfied. My results on home tracks were always solid, but I need to work on away games. The numbers speak for themselves – I don’t always achieve consistency on away games, and that is something I need to work on. I want to be more stable and stay in the top tier of the Polish league. Internationally, I show better form than on away tracks, but my goal is to make the track in Gorzów my second home.

What does a race day look like for you? Do you have any special rituals before races?

A race day is usually a normal routine. Since I regularly participate in competitions both in Poland and abroad, I don’t stress too much about them. I want it to be fun, enjoyment, and to find joy in what I do. On a daily basis, I just do my thing, I don’t get tense, and on the track, I try to give it my all.

What are your biggest speedway dreams?

To become a world champion – that’s every rider’s dream. Besides that, I’d like to finish my career without major injuries. I wish that every season would end without injuries, and that after every race, we would return home safe and sound.

What can I wish you in conclusion?

Only threes, zero injuries – definitely that. If there are threes, the results will come, and if there are no injuries, I will be able to develop. I count on health, good results, and winning heats.

Mikołaj Lemieszek