Today, August 17, the “Smeceres sils” track in Madona hosted the conclusion of the Sidecar Motocross World Championship round and the European Quadcross Championship – and it turned into the dream scenario for the home crowd. Local heroes Daniels and Bruno Lielbārži claimed their first win of the season, while in the quad class Latvia celebrated a double podium with silver for Reinis Bicāns and bronze for Kārlis Neija.

Over the course of two days, nearly 70 riders from 11 countries competed, with the atmosphere around the track turning into a true motorsport festival. The biggest attention went to the home team – brothers Daniels and Bruno Lielbārži. After setting the fastest qualifying time, they kept the momentum going in the finals – finishing second in the opening race and then storming to victory in race two, securing overall 1st place. As the brothers emphasized after the finish: “Finally, we managed to take our first win of the season – and to do it at home, in front of our fans, feels incredible! The season didn’t start the way we planned, but winning the most important race of the year here in Madona means everything. Huge thanks to everyone who supported us – the atmosphere this weekend was unforgettable!” Following the Madona round, the Lielbārži brothers now sit 4th overall in the championship standings.

Second place went to Dutch duo Justin Keuben and Dion Rietman, who won the opening race but had to settle for runner-up in race two. Third overall went to Belgian Davy Sanders and Dutchman Jens Vincent.

Latvia’s success continued in the European Quadcross Championship, where both Reinis Bicāns and Kārlis Neija converted strong qualifying runs into podium finishes. Bicāns, who secured silver, said after the race: “It was a huge honor to fight with the strongest riders in Europe. The battles were intense, the track was excellent, and I’m really proud to stand on the podium.” Neija, who delivered a powerful second race to rise into bronze position both in the Madona round and in the season’s overall classification, added: “Today was full of emotions – the first race start didn’t go well, but I managed to fight back to 4th. In the second race, a new start strategy worked perfectly, and the battles were intense right to the finish. I’m extremely happy to stand among the top three in the championship for the first time.”

Strong performances also came from Kārlis Lizanders (7th) and Iļja Dektjarjovs (10th), underlining that Latvian riders can compete at the European level.

Event organizer Kaspars Ērkulis noted: “We are proud that Madona, already on its debut, has entered the calendar of the world motocross elite. The atmosphere at the track was fantastic – full grandstands, flags, fans’ support, and thrilling battles on the track. Both the international federation and the event promoter confirmed that Madona delivered one of the highest-level rounds so far, proving that we already stand alongside the biggest tracks.”

The organizers thank all spectators, riders, supporters, and volunteers for making this event a true motorsport festival in Madona.

The Lielbārži brothers now continue their championship journey: the next round takes place in France (September 6–7), followed by Germany (September 20–21), and the season finale in the Netherlands (September 27–28). The rounds in France and the Netherlands will also feature the European Quadcross Championship.