Dimitri Berge: In Poland I had my best season in my career

For Dimitri Berge, the 2024 season was definitely one of the best in his career so far. The Frenchman, after CELLFAST WILKI’s relegation from PGE Ekstraliga, moved to the Krosno team, with whom he secured the fifth place in the METALKAS 2. Ekstraliga and became the eighth best rider in the league. In the interview below, he talks about the past season, the battle for the Grand Prix, and about speedway in France.

Marcin Rusewicz (ekstraliga.pl): First of all, I have to ask about the SEC tournament in Chorzów. How do you rate your performance, especially in the context of such a demanding track?

Dimitri Berge (CELLFAST WILKI Krosno): Indeed, the track was difficult, but it was difficult for everyone. I struggled with bike setups and the feel of the ride all evening, but it is what it is.

What can you say about your entire season? Initially, you were one of the best riders in the whole league, and then you suffered an unfortunate injury…

This year I had ups and downs. Overall, it was a good season in the league. In the SEC series, I missed one round, did well in one, and the rest were rather bad.

Do you think this was your best season in your career?

In the Polish league, definitely, but in other competitions, both yes and no.

We know you are staying in Krosno for 2025 as well. What convinced you to stay?

I had a good season in Krosno. The club took good care of me during my injury and I work well with them. Hopefully, next year we will perform well in the play-offs.

Now let me ask about the future. When will we see Dimitri Berge in the Grand Prix series? Do you know anything about a potential permanent wildcard for you?

I don’t know anything. I hope that someday in the future it will happen. We’ll see.

There were also rumors about a Grand Prix round in France. Do you know any more about this?

Not really. I know that some people are working hard on it, but I can’t say when exactly it will happen.

Is speedway becoming more popular in France, or is it still a rather small sport in your country?

In France, speedway is still a little-known sport. Many people in the community are doing their best to promote it further, but it’s a really tough task.

Marcin Rusewicz