All of the above is true. The ref called Walk Over to both sides after claiming that the track was ok to ride despite riders' protests. Basically, the guy who never rode speedway in his life seems to know better than the ones who do it on regular basis. Wojaczek showed many times that he enjoys being on the top of things even if these things should be left alone and go by itself.
And yes, there were some riots after the meeting. Not sure of the details but there were fights between fans and police which is kind of normal stuff in Poland at sport events.
That's probably why he never got gold medal in Individual World Championship. The pressure from fans, promoters, media and everyone else was so high that even he was unable to endure it. Pity... I don't like the guy but he is a brilliant rider.
Basically Poles love Gollob only if he wins important international meeting. He is booed at most of Polish stadiums when riding against home team. Throwing bottles, whistling, booing, cursing - that all happens in Poland on regular basis, especially towards Gollob.
If the meeting is stopped the Aussie will be the most lucky team of the year. First Andersen and Pedersen injuries threw Danes out of the final and now the rain stopped Gollob and Protasiewicz who were supposed to score over 10. Given all those injuries plus mysterious Sullivan's disappearance, Watt's hopeless season and even more hopeless Batchelor that would be the most of luck for Aussies to win gold!!!
Looking at Ryan's perfromance since a few years I would say he is kind of burned out. It's good that Adam was given a chance but he didn't take it. Moreover, he crashed and broke his collarbone. Does it mean Ryan will be back to the team?
As far as I know Polish fans... I would not expect big crowd. They are used to meetings on weekends and definitely prefer league to everything else. With this one there is not much to look at - no Poles, Thursday night... I would not be surprised if there was less than 10,000 on Thursday.
I am not surprised that Poles beat Aussies... Pity... I was really hoping Aussies would get straight into the final. Due to Danes' problems they should get in anyway.
Sullivan didn't perform as well as he should have and that's basically the reason. Results from Miedzinski or Protasiewicz are not surprising - the first one has a really brilliant season this year and Pepe is experienced (although he's been poor GP rider) and quite regular.
Aussies are favourites but Poles are surely able to beat them. Adams and Sullivan have been far from their best form recently. Watt is a bit unpredictable but somehow I cannot see him scoring double digit. Poles have picked up riders who perform better in Polish league. That's why Walasek and Holta are out. Ulamek is injured and will not ride for sure. For me only Miedzinski is a bit of mistery. The guy is going to ride in SWC for the first time in his life and also his performance this year improved all of a sudden (previously was a mid class rider with good talent).
I don't agree. That's the tactics, makes everything more interesting. Besides, you can always work out appropriate regulations when reserves can be put in and when not.
Aussies vs Poles - that's how theoretically it should look. Even with all the injuries Aussies are able to get straight into the final but Adams and Sullivan need to ride their best. Gollob, Hampel, Holta, Kasprzak - won't be easy to bit. I personally wonder how Miedzinski is going to perform (his debut in SWC).
I would say it would make WC more interesting if reserves could be used at any time - not only to replace injured/withdrawn riders. It would allow coaches to show their tactical skills.
It would be even worth to consider to put two reserves instead of one. All in all it is TEAM World Cup.