Robert Chmiel: I would take such a result blindly

Janusz Kołodziej withdrew from participation in the final round of the Individual European Championships in Chorzów due to health problems after training. His place was taken by the first reserve, Robert Chmiel, who presented himself very well. The rider representing the colors of OK KOLEJARZ Opole scored 10 points and was close to advancing to the most important race of the evening. “I am happy with the result I achieved,” he said.

The speedway rider did not expect to get a chance to start as a regular participant in the final round for the title of the best on the old continent in Chorzów. Nevertheless, he assesses his performance very positively. “At the beginning, I didn’t expect to ride at all, but once I did, I didn’t expect it to go so well. For me, this is a big success and I would take such a result blindly. I am trying my best. The equipment was freshly prepared for these competitions, and it’s great that it turned out this way. I am happy with the result I achieved,” he admitted in an interview for ekstraliga.pl.

Chmiel also commented on the last chance race, highlighting what could have influenced his result. “In my last start, I chose the fourth lane and took off very well. Everything worked out perfectly then to take off from that lane, go around, and take first place. I think that ultimately the second lane would have been better. I don’t hold any grudge against myself for which lane I chose, but I’m still happy that I was in the last chance race.” he noted.

The conditions on the track met his expectations, and the competition was, in his opinion, challenging, which he evaluated positively. “I was satisfied with the conditions on the track. Before the training, I didn’t even envision myself riding in these competitions. For me, the track was perfect. I really like demanding tracks where skills play a bigger role than the equipment itself. For me, it’s a plus.” he added.

The rider did not hide his emotions during the competition, especially highlighting the atmosphere created by the fans gathered at Silesian Stadium. “The fans were fantastic. In that last chance race, my heart was beating a bit too fast and I felt it was just hard for me to take a breath before the start. I really had a lot of emotions.” he concluded with enthusiasm.

Weronika Cich