STARTING LINE-UPS FOR DEWALT FIM SON2 IN RIGA THIS FRIDAY REVEALED

The starting line-ups for the DeWalt FIM Speedway of Nations – SON2 event in Riga this Friday have been confirmed.

The sport’s top seven junior sides race for the FIM Speedway of Nations Under-21 World Championship at Bikernieki – the night before the OlyBet FIM Speedway GP of Latvia – Riga takes place on Saturday.

The DeWalt FIM SON2 event sees all seven teams meet each other over a 21-heat pairs format, with the country that scores the most points advancing directly into the Grand Final. The second and third-placed nations then meet in the Grand Final Qualifier for the right to join them, with the Grand Final winner crowned this year’s FIM Speedway of Nations Under-21 world champion.

Hosts Latvia take on 15-time winners and reigning champions Poland, plus Czech Republic, Great Britain, Denmark, Australia and Germany, who step into the line-up for 2023, replacing Sweden, who finished seventh last year.

Every country selects three riders – two starters at No.1 and No.2, with a reserve at No.3, who can be called into action at any time.

The Latvian challenge is led by SGP2 rider Francis Gusts, who is part of the FIM Speedway Under-21 World Championship series. He teams up with Ricards Ansviesulis and reserve Ernests Matjusonoks.

Reigning SGP2 champion Mateusz Cierniak leads Poland’s challenge after teaming up with Jakub Miskowiak to win gold in SON2 in 2022. He joins forces in the starting pair with SGP2 rival Bartlomiej Kowalski.

Bydgoszcz shooting star Wiktor Przyjemski was part of Poland’s gold medal-winning side in 2022, but he was forced out of the SON2 event at Vojens after a crash. He is named at No.3 for 2023.

Danish SGP2 duo Emil Breum and Esben Hjerrild join forces to lead their country’s challenge with Jesper Knudsen – brother of 2022 SGP2 rider Jonas – serving as Denmark’s reserve.

Great Britain under-21 boss Neil Vatcher selects Anders Rowe and Dan Gilkes as his starting pair as the Lions bid to build on the bronze medal they won in 2022. Drew Kemp is listed at No.3.

The Czech challenge is led by 2022 SON2 silver medallist Petr Chlupac. He links up with Prague teammate Daniel Klima, while Prague FIM SGP2 of Czech Republic track reserve Jaroslav Vanicek will hope for the chance to impress at No.3.

Australian Under-21 champion Keynan Rew captains his country, joining forces with Plymouth star James Pearson in the starting pair. Talented Queensland star Tate Zischke – a protegee of former Speedway GP icon Darcy Ward – is handed the No.3 spot.

SGP2 regular Norick Blodorn captains Germany as they enter the competition, with Erik Bachhuber set to partner him. Patrick Hyjek takes the reserve place.

While OlyBet FIM Latvian Speedway GP tickets are now sold out, tickets are still available for the DeWalt FIM SON2 showdown this Friday. Don’t miss out – secure your spot at Bikernieki HERE NOW.

2023 DeWALT FIM SPEEDWAY OF NATIONS – SON2 STARTING LINE-UPS

GREAT BRITAIN – TEAM A

1. Anders Rowe

2. Daniel Gilkes

3. Drew Kemp (captain)

Team Manager: Neil Vatcher

CZECH REPUBLIC – TEAM B

1. Petr Chlupac (captain)

2. Daniel Klima

3. Jaroslav Vanicek

Team Manager: Zdenek Schneiderwind

AUSTRALIA – TEAM C

1. Keynan Rew (captain)

2. James Pearson

3. Tate Zischke

Team Manager: Mark Lemon

DENMARK – TEAM D

1. Emil Breum (captain)

2. Esben Hjerrild

3. Jesper Knudsen

Team Manager: Henrik Moller

POLAND – TEAM E

1. Mateusz Cierniak (captain)

2. Bartlomiej Kowalski

3. Wiktor Przyjemski

Team Manager: Rafal Dobrucki

LATVIA – TEAM F

1. Francis Gusts (captain)

2. Ricards Ansviesulis

3. Ernests Matjusonoks

Team Manager: Nikolajs Kokins

GERMANY – TEAM G

1. Norick Blodorn (captain)

2. Erik Bachhuber

3. Patrick Hyjek

Team Manager: Sascha Dörner