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Images from the 2017 Monster Energy Speedway World Cup Race Off
NEWS

RUSSIA SHOCK AUSSIES TO MAKE THROUGH TO SWC FINAL

Jul 082017

Russia shocked the Speedway world to win the #MonsterEnergySWC Race Off and qualify for tomorrow night’s final in Leszno, Poland.

The Russian team were depleted of one of their strongest riders before the meeting with Grigori Laguta failing a doping test, but their young guns stepped up to the plate and produced a stunning performance to knock out pre-meeting favourites Australia.

The Aussies, boosted by the return of World Championship leader Jason Doyle, were expected to book their place in the final but they had no answer to the Russian charge.

Images from the 2017 Monster Energy Speedway World Cup Race Off
Led by Emil Sayfutdinov, the awesome Russian team got off to a fast start and refused to let Australia get a grip throughout the night. Every time the Aussies gained some momentum Russia pulled out a big ride to edge away again and in the end they sailed through with three races to spare.

Sayfutdinov was the star of the show, winning all five of his races, but 17-year-old Gleb Chugunov was the surprise package – taking all of Laguta’s rides and bringing home 11 points.

Russia’s victory means that they will join Poland, Great Britain and Sweden in tomorrow night’s final while Australia, Latvia and USA all go home.
Images from the 2017 Monster Energy Speedway World Cup Race Off
The Latvians put up a good fight in third place while USA – without Greg Hancock and fielding a young side – performed admirably and surpassed all expectations with their racing. A special mention must go to the exciting Luke Becker who stunned his rivals by winning an incredible Heat 20 – his first SWC victory and a highlight of the night.

Our man Chris Holder, Australia captain, told us how disappointed he was after the race, “We’re spewing, we had a great hance to get through to the final tonight but Russia were probably the surprise package. They made good starts and they were so quick when they were out in front, no excuses they were just sharper than us so fair play to them. 

 

“100% I think Poland will win tomorrow night, they’ve got the four best young riders in the world and I’m sure they’ve done a few laps round here so you’d have to fancy them to win. You never know though, anything can happen but for sure I’d back them.”

Images from the 2017 Monster Energy Speedway World Cup Race Off
The final sees Poland, Great Britain, Sweden and Russia do battle over 20 heats in front of 18,000 fanatical supporters, with Poland looking to retain their title and the other three teams looking to shock the world.
It couldn’t happen again, could it?
Images from the 2017 Monster Energy Speedway World Cup Race Off

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Images of Monster Energy speedway athletes from the pre-season photoshoot in Torun, Poland Chris Holder

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