Robert Chmiel with optimism before performances in METALKAS 2. Ekstraliga. “I had a few hurdles”

The 2025 season of METALKAS 2. Ekstraliga will be the first appearance for Robert Chmiel in the reserves of the PGE Ekstraliga in 5 years. – I am a little excited and that drives me to continue working – admits the representative of H.SKRZYDLEWSKA ORLA Lodz and at the same time the best national rider of KLZ in 2024.

Robert Chmiel last competed at the second level of competition in the 2020 season in the colors of the Gdansk club. It was also his first season as a senior, and he completed his junior years with ROW Rybnik by advancing to the PGE Ekstraliga in 2019. After good performances in the National Speedway League, it was time for METALKAS 2. Ekstraliga. – I feel a bit excited because I have reached one of my set goals. I had a few hurdles, and it wasn’t the easiest. However, I survived that period and am in METALKAS 2. Ekstraliga. The last time I competed, I ended my junior years with ROW Rybnik, so the realities were different. Senior age has its own rules, and it wasn’t easy to get out of that “hole.” I am a little excited and that drives me to continue working – noted the rider of H.SKRZYDLEWSKA ORLA Lodz in an interview for ekstraliga.pl.

Initially, Chmiel was to represent ABRAMCZYK POLONIA, but changes in the team’s lineup meant that he did not end up in Bydgoszcz. Ultimately, he chose the team from Lodz. – It’s a well-organized club that has already been performing at this level of competition for a few years. Everything looks good. It’s nice that I got to a place that has its goals and not just one that is merely trying to stay afloat. I feel it will be a challenging season, but I will strive for the Lodz club to be as high as possible – emphasized the speedway rider.

In recent years, Robert Chmiel has been one of the most effective riders in the National Speedway League. He finished the 2024 season in 3rd place in the individual classification and was the most effective national rider at this level of competition. Will he aim for top spots in METALKAS 2. Ekstraliga next year, or approach performances without major goals? – Neither. I should enjoy riding and feel good on the motorcycle. That will then yield the right result. This approach has usually brought such results. I won’t aim for any particular place in the classification. I want to have fun and make results – he explained in an interview for ekstraliga.pl.

The representative of the club from Lodz also recorded a good result on the European stage. In the last round of the SEC 2024 cycle in Chorzow, he scored 10 points and took 6th place, earning the fans’ sympathy with his good riding. How does he see his individual goals for the next year of competitions? – Goals will definitely be higher, and I’d like to advance to the Individual Polish Championships cycle. Another goal is stepping up a level, meaning participation in the Golden Helmet, qualifying for the SEC eliminations. That would be a big achievement and fulfillment of more dreams. That’s where we start. As for the GP Challenge, if there’s an opportunity, I’ll take it. I’ll do what I can to be as high up as possible – said Robert Chmiel.

The possibility of riding in METALKAS 2. Ekstraliga will not change Chmiel’s approach to equipment preparation. Physical matters will be important for the speedway rider. – The team and equipment preparation remain as they were in my last two seasons. In terms of physical preparation, we’re moving forward with my physiotherapist, Paweł Janczyk. We’ve been training for a few years, and many things have improved in terms of physical strength and endurance throughout the season. The cooperation will be more developed – he concluded.