ŻUŻEL/INTERVIEW/M2E: Matej Zagar: I experienced what I really miss a lot

AUTONA UNIA Tarnów, after securing promotion to METALKAS 2. League, focused on rebuilding the team. The team is not yet complete, but the crucial pieces of the puzzle are already in place. A new face in the team is Matej Zagar, among others, who returns to Polish competitions after a one-year break. The accomplished Slovenian, in an interview with ekstraliga.pl, discussed his preparations, time spent away from league competition, and coping with pressure.

• Matej Zagar does not intend to part with speedway biking and has been engaging in frequent training sessions in Croatia.
• The main priority for the rider is effectiveness in the colors of AUTONA UNIA Tarnów.
• I just wanted to ride, so I’m glad I’m here and I will compete in Tarnów – said the Slovenian.
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Mateusz Muciek (ekstraliga.pl): There is little more than two months left until the first round of METALKAS 2. League. How are the preparations going? Have you changed anything compared to previous years?

Matej Zagar (AUTONA UNIA Tarnów): The preparations are as always. I’m currently just waiting for good weather to hit the track, and that’s it. The bikes and equipment are already prepared, so no surprises, and I’m just looking forward to on-track training.

You didn’t compete in the Polish leagues last season. What did you do during your break from league racing?

Of course, I trained in speedway, albeit not in clubs in Poland, but I trained at home and in Croatia, so everything was normal. There were just no competitions, so I had more time for family. Life goes on as usual. I also have other obligations, but those are areas unrelated to speedway.

Do you feel a special hunger for speedway because of that absence?

Yes, I have a special hunger. Now I’ve experienced what I really miss a lot. I always say, as long as I have this hunger and desire to race, I’ll do it. Last year things happened as they did, but it certainly gives me even more motivation.

After years in the PGE Ekstraliga, many accomplished riders have changed their level of competition. How do you assess the current sporting level of the METALKAS 2. League?

It’s just how it is that the regulations favor riders under 24 years old, who thanks to that race in the PGE Ekstraliga. Foreigners or even Poles have to look for opportunities elsewhere because they are older than 24 years.

So do you feel excitement about returning to compete with the best?

It’s not like that. The best are in the Grand Prix and PGE Ekstraliga. Here is the old 1st League, but it doesn’t mean that the level of competition or speed isn’t similar. Of course, it’s not the same, but it’s very similar. METALKAS 2. League has made great progress recently.

What prompted you to return to racing for AUTONA UNIA Tarnów?

In Tarnów, as a host, I’m here for the first time. I wanted to race in the league a year ago, but I didn’t come to terms with anyone, and that’s how it happened. The talks with AUTONA UNIA went smoothly. I signed an agreement here, and honestly, I wasn’t looking for other options. I just wanted to ride, so I’m glad I’m here and will compete in Tarnów. I hope effectively.

Indeed, it’s your first season with AUTONA UNIA Tarnów. After the coveted promotion, speedway in the city is once again the number one topic. Hundreds came to the presentation, and many fans see you as the team’s leader. Do you feel additional pressure because of this?

Pressure is there from the start of your career, from the first ride on the track. There’s always pressure. Every athlete who achieves something or wants to achieve something puts pressure on themselves. I put the most pressure on myself, and I don’t need anyone else to give it to me.

Last question, what are your “new year’s resolutions” for the upcoming season?

Effectively and healthily.