Kostigov wins Latvian speedway title again as young riders shine

Friday evening's round of the Latvian LVBET Open Speedway Championship saw Jevgeņijs Kostigovs win the title for the second time in eight years, taking all five of his heats and scoring a maximum points total. The event went ahead without Andžejs Ļebedevs, who was competing in the European Championship final round in Pardubice, and Daniils Kolodinskis, sidelined by a leg injury sustained in training. Francis Gusts returned to competition after a long absence, adding unpredictability to the field.

Gusts, making only his second appearance at the Latvian championship and his first since 2020, showed strong form and finished second. A particular highlight was his win over Polish rider Patrik Vojdilo, achieved through a smart tactical move in the final corner. His good form comes at a timely moment, a week before the European Pairs Championship final in Grudziądz, where he will race alongside Ļebedevs as one of the medal contenders for the Latvian pair. Vojdilo took third place. Artjoms Juhno also impressed, picking up two wins despite having barely featured for the team this season.

Strong junior contest

Seven young riders competed in the junior category, five from Latvia and two from Ukraine. The win went to 16-year-old Dmitrijs Reuka, who has raced for LVBET "Lokomotīve" only this season and has appeared in just two league matches so far. Fifteen-year-old Gregs Laguts, son of Grigorijs Laguta, made a strong impression with two overtakes in his first heat after a poor start. He placed second in a run-off, ahead of 16-year-old Emīls Rimicāns. Coaches noted that the junior ranks will no longer be a weak point for the team next season.

For next season's roster, it is already known that all domestic riders will stay, including team leader Frenchman David Bellego, and the squad will be joined by 2021 British champion Adam Ellis.