The World's Best Sidecarcross and Quadcross Riders Set for Madona This Weekend

This weekend, 25–26 July, the Smeceres Sils Motocross Track in Madona will host the world's leading Sidecarcross and Quadcross riders. More than 35 Sidecarcross crews and 26 Quadcross riders from over ten countries will compete for victory in the FIM World Championship, making the Madona round one of the strongest events on this season's calendar.

Latvian fans will have plenty to cheer for as last year's Madona winners, Daniels and Bruno Lielbārži, return to defend their home circuit. They will face fierce competition from the championship's leading crews, including Marvin Vanluchene / Ben van den Bogaart (Belgium/Netherlands), brothers Killian and Evan Prunier (France), Tim Prümmer / Patrick Schneider (Germany/Austria), Koen Hermans / Dion Rietman (Netherlands), along with many other world-class teams. Latvia will also be represented by Rihards Rupeiks / Markuss Tučis, Emīls Tilaks / Elmārs Tilaks, Kaspars Lubgangs / Martins Antons, Jonas Pirtinas / Lotārs Aleksejevs (Lithuania/Latvia), and Markus Normak / Tomass Daniels Dukulis (Estonia/Latvia).

The Quadcross World Championship will also feature a world-class line-up. Latvia will be represented by Kārlis Neija, Kārlis Straubergs, Reinis Bicāns, Kārlis Raudonis, and Martins Puhaļskis, who have competed against the world's best throughout the season. They will line up alongside five-time European Champion Kevin Saar (Estonia), Patrick Turrini (Italy), Manfred Zienekker (Germany), Mark McLernon and Harry Walker (Great Britain), together with many other regular FIM World Championship competitors.

Currently the highest-ranked Latvian rider in the championship standings is Kārlis Neija, who sits in 7th place overall. Ahead of his home round, he expects some of the toughest racing of the season.

"Madona is always one of the tracks I enjoy coming back to. I already know the circuit well, but this year the event will be on another level – there will be more riders, stronger competition, and every race could bring surprises. I'm really happy that the Quadcross World Championship is taking place in Latvia at the highest possible level. I hope the fans will enjoy both the atmosphere and the racing," says Kārlis Neija.

Event Director Kaspars Ērkulis says the organising team is putting the finishing touches on the venue ahead of the event.

"Final preparations are still underway around the circuit and throughout the venue, but in just a few days Smeceres Sils will become the epicentre of Sidecarcross and Quadcross as, for the first time ever, both FIM World Championship classes will compete at the same venue during the same weekend. This is a rare opportunity to see the world's best riders competing in Latvia, and I invite everyone to come to Madona, enjoy spectacular racing and help create an unforgettable home atmosphere for our riders," says Event Director Kaspars Ērkulis.

Compared to last year, the organisers have introduced several improvements to enhance the spectator experience. Parking capacity has been expanded, new spectator viewing areas have been created around the circuit, and in cooperation with LMT, a temporary mobile communications tower will operate throughout the event, significantly improving mobile coverage and internet connectivity.

Event Schedule

Saturday, 25 July

• 10:00 – Venue opens for spectators
• 11:30 – Quadcross Timed & Start Practice
• 13:00 – Sidecarcross Timed & Start Practic
• 15:15 – Quadcross Qualifying Race
• 16:00 – Sidecarcross Qualifying Race (Group A)
• 16:45 – Sidecarcross Qualifying Race (Group B)
• 17:15 – Quadcross Last Chance Race
• 17:40 – Sidecarcross Last Chance Race
• 20:00 – Live concert – Rihards Saule & SmartBand

Sunday, 26 July

• 09:00 – Venue opens for spectators
• 09:00 – Quadcross Warm-up
• 09:30 – Sidecarcross Warm-up
• 10:30 – Riders' Presentation
• 11:00 – Autograph Session
• 11:30 – Quadcross Race 1
• 13:00 – Sidecarcross Race 1
• 14:15 – Quadcross Race 2
• 14:45 – Quadcross Prize Giving Ceremony
• 16:00 – Sidecarcross Race 2
• 16:35 – Sidecarcross Prize Giving Ceremony

Tickets are available online and at Biļešu Paradīze ticket offices. Spectators are encouraged to purchase parking tickets in advance and familiarise themselves with the traffic arrangements before travelling to the venue.

More information is available at www.wscmadona.com.

Media Accreditation

Media representatives planning to attend the event are kindly requested to complete the media accreditation form in advance. Media accreditation is mandatory. Available HERE.