21st century heathen Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 Well I think the lack of respect shown by Sky was a disgrace to them so here is a chance to right their wrongs. In round 1 the Russians were a threat to a disappointing Czech Republic, and realistically that is all they could have hoped for. As ever the guys gave their all, and certainly weren't afraid of the big names. I think they can even consider themselves a little unlucky a couple of times. One or two very good postions were spoiled by not quite having the power to make it work, and either were squeezed out or were just beaten for pace. In round 2 the Germans tracked a very, very young team. We all know that they were there for the experience, in the hope they can bring on some of their new talent. Each of them showed at least once that they do have some talent, and was able to mix it up a little. Obviously Martin was the best of the bunch, but the other lads rode a good first turn or a lap here and there. I think the efforts of these teams are worthy of note, and certainly deserved some professional courtesy. Both teams have one aim when the World Cup comes around. Qualify as 'the best of the rest' behind the main nations. The Germans in particular have done very well just to be there. If you think of other nations that were not able to be there then you realise that these two Nations have done well. In the past we've seen Slovenia, Italy, Norway, Finland, Hungary, and even the USA were knocked out. So to speak directly to the Germans, and the Russians I'd like to say hats off to each and every one of the riders. You were justifiably involved, and against strong opposition you were not disgraced. Congratulations, and good luck in future events. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DartfordHammer Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 Sergey Darkin was actually leading two races until his bike packed up on him twice. Who knows what might have happened if he had held on for those wins, or even second places? The Russians gave a lot of entertainment through their disregard for their own safety by flying round the outside of the bends, Vlasov in particular in his first heat. Well done Russia. As for the Germans, they were soundly beaten but in no way disgraced. I personally expected them to only pick up any points due to breakdowns or exclusions, but they scored 3 of their 5 in 4-man races. To be fair, they were in the toughest event of the two by a long way. The Russians would have struggled in that event as well. So well done Germany. Good luck to them both. They should all benefit greatly from the extra experience of riding against the top riders in the world. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rabbit Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 Couldn't agree more 21CH. Both nations tried their best - the Russians have slightly more experience on the world stage and could so easily have beaten the Czechs into that last run-off place. As for the Germans, they looked so so young (or is that a sign i'm getting old? ) but definitely got into it more as the meeting went on, and it's all experience. Bet they loved be amongst the world's top riders last night and as you rightly mention, they showed they have the ability given a few years and the chance to race in the European leagues. So fair play to both nations, it was always a tough ask but no-one disgraced themselves. As for the comments of Mullard and Kelvin, they were contemptible and I thought Kelvin at least, with more knowledge of the German scene from his grassing and longtracking would have shown more respect. From Millard however, I wouldn't expect anything different to be honest. The man is a grade A muppet. End of. Bring back Floppy and Pearson for the run-off and final! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boardrider Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 The Russians would have struggled in that event as well. So well done Germany. Good luck to them both. They should all benefit greatly from the extra experience of riding against the top riders in the world. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> The Brits would have struggled in that second semi-final...they had by far the easier group to qualify from... Poland and Australia to qualify....should make for a hard final ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salty Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 Both the Russians and the Germans emerged with credit from their respective rounds. The youth of the German squad augers well for the future and it would be great if the sport could take off in that country. Similarly the sport in Russia appears on the upturn, with 2 teams appearing in the Polish leagues this year. Also the "new" money in Russia has allowed some Russian teams to offer contracts to foreign riders for the first time. As I said on another thread it was pity that Povazhny didn't get a ride, I just hope that Gafurov and other younger riders get a chance to ride over here on a more permanent basis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernie Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 (edited) Id like to echo what everyone has said about the Russian Team and the German Team. I was disgusted at the way the SKY presents said they were making up the numbers. On a few occasions even the the top riders struggled to get past the German Team Riders. They did not give credit where it was due. Smoli showed what a good rider he will be. He got out on the best riders and still made them work hard to pass him. Well done to both teams excellent showing. Give praise were its due. COME ON THE BRITS Edited August 3, 2005 by Bernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iris123 Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 What did Sky do or say then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCB Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 What did Sky do or say then? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Nothing. They just didn't talk up the team that come last Can you imagine someone watching for the first time and the commetators saying, "Well done to the lad at the back, he didn't score but didn't he do well?". They were last, end of, they didn't excel or do more than someone expected. The Brits love a loser and this proves it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Main Man Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 (edited) Having met some of these young German lads during the World U-21 quarter and semi-finals at Pardubice and Lonigo whilst looking after Chris Kerr, they are a good bunch of lads with a lot of potential. Full marks to them for their efforts despite not getting , as expected, many points. They will have all gained from the experience and this will stand the Germans in good stead for the years to come. They could have had the likes of Robbie Kessler, Stefan Katt, Steffen Mell etc , riding but in all honesty they would not have gone much nearer the tough opposition they were up against in the Swedes, Poles and Aussies. Good forward thinking by the German Federation to give the kids a chance. Christian Hefenbrook amd Mattius Schultz have impressed me this year and I would think that they will be given their chance in Britain in the very near future joining Martin @ Coventry and Thomas at Kings Lynn in the el and pl. Edited August 3, 2005 by Main Man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subedei Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 If only the Russian's could've had Gollob team riding with them again, they might have stunned the Czechs. The Germans were out of their depth, but it was all about getting experience I feel. They didn't even bother trying any tactical moves, just let all of their riders get 5 rides against class opposition. Personally I think the Russians and the Czechs wouldn't have posted much higher scores than the Germans last night. It was definitely a step up in class from the Swindon meeting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandie Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 Agreed. In the first heat last night I walked in just as the tapes went up. I was 99.9% certain that it was Smoli riding, have you seen that dayglo bike!!!!! but I waited and waited for confirmation. I heard nothing - not even the fact that Germany were trailing at the back. I ony got the confirmation when the result was placed. Awful from SKY - do better next time please Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wessexboy Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 (edited) Well said the German and Russian teams rode very steady and look like in couple of years time they will be right on the pace I do not know what sky were saying the other teams were all Gp standard riders and the german and Russian are young up coming riders Edited August 3, 2005 by wessexboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCB Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 Not all the Russians are up and coming! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subedei Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 Not all the Russians are up and coming! True. Darkin was a "going and down" a couple of times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyinRyan Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 And the good news for most of them is that they will become Oxford assets by the end of the season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12bore Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 And the good news for most of them is that they will become Oxford assets by the end of the season. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> what do you mean "most"!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarabanko Posted August 4, 2005 Report Share Posted August 4, 2005 YEAH Credits to the Germans and Russian! Saw the German team and they werent to bad. Nice to see some new young faces and not Barth and Riss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shirls Posted August 4, 2005 Report Share Posted August 4, 2005 Agree, credits to the Germans and Russians. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bee 26 Posted August 5, 2005 Report Share Posted August 5, 2005 Well done Martin, not a bad showing for a reserve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
German Speedway Fan Posted August 5, 2005 Report Share Posted August 5, 2005 Next year i'm sure, Martin will be leading four laps against Gollob and Adams... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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