Intense Qualifying Battles Set the Stage for an Exciting FIM World Championship Finals in Madona

Today, 25 July, the opening day of the FIM Sidecarcross World Championship and FIM Quadcross World Championship in Madona's Smeceres Sils motocross track concluded with thrilling qualifying races. Home favourites Daniels and Bruno Lielbārži dominated their qualifying race until the very last lap, when a crash denied them victory, leaving them fourth in their group. In the Quadcross category, Kārlis Neija was the highest-placed Latvian rider in fourth position, while Kārlis Straubergs finished eighth. The decisive championship races will take place on Sunday.

In the Sidecarcross class, competitors were divided into two qualifying groups. Group A was won by Tim and Sem Leferink, ahead of Marvin Vanluchene and Ben van den Bogaart, while Tim Prümmer and Patrick Schneider completed the top three. After an excellent start and leading the race until the final lap, local favourites Daniels and Bruno Lielbārži eventually finished fourth, securing the seventh gate pick for Sunday's finals. Fellow Latvians Emīls and Elmārs Tilaks finished eighth, while Kaspars Lubgāns and Mārtiņš Antons crossed the line in twelfth place.

After qualifying, Daniels Lielbārdis said: "Nothing compares to racing on our home track. Until the final lap, the day had been almost perfect. We took the holeshot, moved into the lead and increased our advantage lap after lap. On the final lap, while passing lapped riders, we chose a different line, made a mistake and overturned the bike. By the time we got going again, we had dropped to fourth place. Hopefully, luck will be on our side tomorrow."

Group B was won by Killian and Evan Prunier, with Brett Wilkinson and Joe Millard finishing second and Dan Foden and Noah Weinmann taking third. The best result among crews featuring a Latvian representative was achieved by Markus Normaks and Tomass Daniels Dukulis, who finished fifth. Meanwhile, Rihards Rupeiks and Markuss Tučis were unable to start the qualifying race after crashing during timed practice. A decision on whether they will compete on Sunday will be made on Sunday morning.

The FIM Quadcross World Championship qualifying race was equally competitive and action-packed. Championship leader Kevin Saar of Estonia claimed victory, followed by Britain's Mark McLernon in second and Germany's Jordi Niclas Gieler in third. Latvia's best performer was Kārlis Neija, who finished fourth, while Kārlis Straubergs secured eighth place. The remaining Latvian riders finished further down the order, with Kārlis Raudonis, Mārtiņš Puhaļskis and Reinis Bicāns placing 22nd, 25th and 27th respectively.

After the race, Kārlis Neija commented: "I managed to move up into third place early on and overtake a few competitors, but later I got held up behind Kārlis Straubergs. It turned into a very chaotic race with plenty of battles, overtakes and action. If qualifying was already this exciting, I think tomorrow's finals will be even better."

On Sunday, 26 July, the decisive races will take place at Smeceres Sils. The venue will open to spectators from 9:00, while the entertainment programme, including the riders' presentation and autograph session, will begin at 10:15.

The first Quadcross final race is scheduled for 11:45, followed by Race 2 at 14:30. In the Sidecarcross class, Race 1 will start at 13:00, with Race 2 at 16:00. Prize-giving ceremonies for each class will take place after the second race.

Tickets are available through Biļešu Paradīze and at the venue. The full event programme, entry lists and the latest information are available at www.wscmadona.com.

Further information:

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