Lithuanian Quad rider Laurynas Mikalauskas: “A World Championship round is a completely different experience”

On 25–26 July, the legendary Smeceres Sils motocross track in Madona, Latvia, will once again host one of the biggest motorsport events in the Baltic States – a FIM Sidecar Motocross World Championship round and, for the first time, a FIM Quadcross World Championship round.

The event will bring together the world’s best sidecar and quad riders, including Lithuanian Quadcross rider Laurynas Mikalauskas, who will once again represent Lithuania on the international stage.

With only a few Lithuanian riders expected to compete in Madona, Mikalauskas believes this makes the event even more special.

“As far as I know, only two riders from Lithuania are planning to race in Madona – myself and one other rider. I always tell my friends that racing a World Championship round is a completely different feeling compared to racing at home in your own sandpit. Every GP helps you improve and gives you valuable experience,” says Laurynas Mikalauskas.

Although every Grand Prix presents different challenges, Mikalauskas believes the Smeceres Sils circuit is unlike most tracks on the calendar.

“Most GP rounds take place on hard-pack tracks, so they are difficult to compare. Madona is probably the most similar to the Estonian GP, but the biggest difference is the surface. It is sandy, but not like the deep sand in the Netherlands – it is Baltic sand. That makes it unique.”

The Lithuanian rider says he approaches every race weekend with the same mindset.

“I never set specific expectations before a race. My goal is always to enjoy the weekend, have good battles with the other riders and perform to the best of my ability.”

Currently competing among the world’s best Quadcross riders, Laurynas Mikalauskas says the biggest motivation comes from seeing his own progress.

“Every year I can fight with faster riders, and that keeps me motivated. But my biggest motivation is my parents. They invest so much time and money into my racing, and I want to repay them by giving my absolute best every time I line up at the start.”

During the break between championship rounds, the Lithuanian focuses primarily on physical preparation.

“Physical fitness has always been my biggest priority because I believe it is the key to achieving the best results. This season I am racing an NX Concept quad, and I feel really comfortable on it. My team has done a fantastic job preparing the bike, so I can fully focus on my riding.”

Madona has quickly become one of the most highly regarded venues on the international calendar. Last year, the event attracted more than 7,000 spectators, while both the FIM and the World Championship promoter described the Latvian round as one of the best-organised events of the season.

Event organiser Guntis Ķeveris says preparations are entering their final stage. “We continue working on both the track and the venue infrastructure while implementing improvements based on visitor feedback from last year. Parking capacity, traffic management and internet connectivity across the venue have all been further improved so that spectators can enjoy an even better World Championship experience.”

For Mikalauskas, the atmosphere around the circuit is just as important as the racing itself.

“It is always a pleasure to see spectators supporting you. They motivate you to push harder, although at the same time you also feel a little extra pressure because you want to give them your best result.”

His message to Lithuanian fans is simple: “Just do it. Madona is not that far away, and the emotions of watching a World Championship race live are priceless. Feel free to come to my tent, say hello, pick up a poster and have a quick chat with me.”

The championship weekend offers much more than racing. Saturday, 25 July, features free practice sessions, qualifying races and an evening concert by Rihards Saule & SmartBand. On Sunday, spectators can enjoy the official opening ceremony, rider autograph session and the decisive World Championship races in both the Sidecar Motocross and Quadcross classes.

Tickets are available online and at all Biļešu Paradīze ticket offices.

Media representatives are invited to attend and cover the event. Accreditation is open until 16 July and can be completed HERE.

More information: www.wscmadona.com