MICHELSEN ISSUES APOLOGY FOLLOWING TORUN ALTERCATION

European champion Mikkel Michelsen has issued an apology after one of his team members was involved in an altercation with his Czestochowa teammate Leon Madsen in Torun on Sunday.

The incident occurred as Madsen returned to the pits after the Danish duo competed in heat 15 for the Lions, conceding a 5-1 to Torun duo Patryk Dudek and Emil Sayfutdinov.

According to the Czestochowa website, “the competitors did not commit any acts of violence against each other. But the club confirmed: “Mikkel Michelsen's mechanic attacked Leon Madsen, hitting him on the helmet with his hand.” The club vowed that “the person who committed this act will face severe consequences.”

The riders will battle it out at Principality Stadium in the FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain – Cardiff on August 17, with both men in contention for the top-six automatic qualification places for the 2025 series – and potentially Speedway GP World Championship medals.

Posting on his official Facebook page, Michelsen apologised for the events that took place in Torun and vowed: “We are committed to ensuring that such incidents do not happen again.”

His full statement read: “I hope this message finds you well. I feel it is important to address the events that transpired after our recent match on Sunday. As many of you may be aware, an unfortunate altercation occurred involving a member of my team and another rider from Włókniarz.

“First and foremost, I want to express my sincere apologies for this incident. This situation should not have occurred, and it does not reflect the values and professionalism that we strive to uphold as a team in Częstochowa. Emotions run high in the heat of competition, and sometimes, the passion and intensity that drive us to excel can also lead to situations getting out of hand.

“We are all dedicated to our sport and to representing our club, sponsors and fans with honour and integrity. We have addressed the situation internally, and all parties involved have expressed their remorse. Moving forward, we are committed to ensuring that such incidents do not happen again.

“Once again Mikkel Michelsen Racing apologises for any inconvenience this has brought to the club, sponsors and fans. We take full responsibility for our actions during the incident.

“With that in mind - now we have to focus on Friday’s important match (at home to Zielona Gora), hence we would highly appreciate everyone’s support more than ever. Sincerely, MM.”

Following the incident, the club released a statement, which read: “Dear Fans, due to the growing narrative and the inappropriate and incomplete presentation of the situation that took place after the end of the 15th heat in the match between KS Apator Toruń and Krono-Plast Włókniarz Częstochowa, we would like to firmly deny that there was an alleged "regular brawl" or "boxing fight" between Leon Madsen and Mikkel Michelsen.

“The competitors did not commit any acts of violence against each other, as reported by TV journalist Łukasz Benz. Right after the race, after the competitors had pitted, Mikkel Michelsen's mechanic attacked Leon Madsen, hitting him on the helmet with his hand. This behaviour was the beginning of the turmoil that reigned between the teams.

“The club strongly condemns such situations and acts of violence, while indicating that the person who committed this act will face severe consequences.

“We are facing a difficult and important time, in which support and mutual respect are needed. The false report that was presented to you during the television broadcast caused confusion and misunderstanding, and ultimately became the trigger for a wave of criticism aimed at the indicated riders and, above all, at the club.

“The most important match of the season is ahead of us, and we assure you that we will not give up. We will fight as a team, one for all - all for one. We count on and ask for your support.”

Czestochowa is fighting for its PGE Ekstraliga survival against Falubaz, with the Lions sixth and Zielona Gora seventh. Both sides are tied on 10 league points – leaving them just one ahead of basement club Leszno, which is on nine.