Schwantz34

Another very good weekend in Heerenveen. Maybe the racing was slightly better overall in Inzell, but not by much. Nice to meet quite a few British fans in our hotel in Joure too. Only downside was staying far too long in the bar on Saturday night!! Well done to the world champ, any winner of a championship deserves it. Hard luck to Max Niedermaier, was rooting for him as an underdog ( probably the reason he didn't win). Things swayed back and forth over the whole weekend for both contenders, but that heat 16 smash finished it. Finally, very well done to Stefan Svensson. Delighted for him to win his last race. Seems a lovely, relaxed, chilled out bloke who just goes round waving to everyone before and after the races......... but is rapid over the 4laps. Bring on 2025 and healed bodies for those who were injured before/ during the season.

Rihimaki has designed a new seating position, 20cm lower than a standard bike, with a view to lowering the centre of gravity. Speedweek.com have an article on it. On the Saturday I was on curve 3 and had never seen him in the flesh before, so thought he was just a tiny guy. It was only on Sunday when I sat at the start/ finish that I could see the seat was really low with a raised section at the front for starting. He basically stuck right to the inside all the time over both days, not sure whether he's always done that like Harald Simon or whether that's all the bike's good for. It obviously works well for Rihimaki, but looks bizarre. Haaruhiltinen said he thought it looked a bit dangerous and Niedermaier said he'd rather give up than ride something like that Thankfully doesn't look like others are following suit just yet. That could change if he pulls a win ( or two) out the bag in Heerenveen!!

Oh, and suggestions that more optimistic talks have taken place about resurrecting Berlin. Fingers crossed

I agree, what a fantastic meeting and a great advert for the sport. First time I'd been back to Inzell since Covid and so glad I've forked out for Heerenveen too. I still worry about things longer term, but read on speedweek that they're thinking about races in Kazakhstan again and a possibility of China. Also murmurings of reconsidering the ban on Russian riders as Russian/ Belarusian athletes will be allowed in this years olympics. Only problem would be Bogdanov clearing off and making it boring!!

Hello all Is anyone going to Inzell or Heerenveen this year? Luckily for me I'm going to manage to both, first Ice Speedway events for me since Covid. A shame that the awesome Russian riders will not be there, hopefully that cloud will be silver lined with a very open battle for the championship.

I see Heerenveen is having finals 3 and 4 on the 6th and 7th April 2024 according to FIM website. No tickets released on their website yet though.

Nice to see Khuzin and Toloknov back from some horrendous injuries late last season. What a shame about the curtailed WC season, can only hope that the devastation in Ukraine stops soon ( for various reasons )

Very sad and shocking news, condolences to family, friends and colleagues. Rest easy Nigel, your dedication to the sport will be missed

I've only just read that Weber was beaten to the world title. I really can't believe my eyes and feel absolutely gutted for him. Congratulations to Martin Haaruhiltunen, here's hoping we get a full calendar with riders of all nationalities next year.

Good luck to all the riders, and in particular for me Hans Weber. Been catching up with some of the Russian domestic stuff and Weber really has proved himself as competitive as I've seen anyone with the Russians. If he becomes champion, ignoring debates about the credibility of a win without the Russians, he most certainly would be worthy.

That's a shame, young and one of the best riders from the west. Loved a wheelie which made for good viewing On the retirement theme I wonder what Khuzin and Toloknov will do after their injuries. I watched highlights of Togliatti which showed footage from the start finish. The Khuzin spill was extremely disturbing, crash was bad enough but seconds after he slid to a halt it was obvious his injuries must have been terrible. Just so glad he was reported to be ok a few days later

Despite my last comment about not going to Heerenveen I had a wee look at the cost of doing it there and back in a day. Looking about £400 for all travel ( flights and trains), a ticket and an official LFT test ( costing 55bucks) to enter the Netherlands Imagine shelling that out and getting a positive LFT!!! Think I'll hold out until next year

I read on speedweek that Hans Weber who is still in Russia suggests the Russian riders do not believe they'll be allowed to ride in Heerenveen. I'd been contemplating a there and back in a day for the Sunday............ but if the best riders in the world aren't riding in the world championship then maybe not.

Brilliant to hear this, unfortunate accident and shocking injury. Get well soon Ivan

Really terrible news for both, but especially Khuzin. Neither incident with anyone to blame. Wishing both as full a recovery as possible.