Conkers

I'm struggling to find any details about the European Final. FIM Europe's Website is hopeless. My enquiries so far with some Polish friends have drawn a blank, so can someone point me in the direction of any publicity please?

Please be aware that unless you speak German, then the Inzell site can be slightly testing when booking tickets. It doesn’t really like translation software in my experience. Heerenveen tickets are available via https://ticketpoint.nl/en/event/wk-ijsspeedway/

Yes, I know its August, and the Ice Season doesn't start for another three months, but the FIM have issued the provisional calendar for the Gladiators series for the next season. Whilst these are still provisional, Inzell, Heerenveen and Berlin are already advertising the dates on their respective websites. I understand the Inzell tickets are on sale already, as the 13/3/20 will be the Gunther Bauer farewell meeting. Also 27/2/20 is provisionally set as the German Final in Berlin, and 3/4/20 will be the Roelof Thijs Bokaal meeting at Heerenveen. Interesting the three rounds in Eastern Europe are on consecutive weekends, but I suppose in view of the travelling it does make sense. No doubt all the dates will all be confirmed in the coming weeks, but if you are planning to take in some Ice this winter it does give you an idea. 11 January Qualifying Round 1 Örnsköldvsik Sweden 11 January Qualifying Round 2 Kauhajoki Finland FIM Ice Speedway World Championship 01 - 02 February Final 1 Almaty Kazakhstan 08 - 09 February Final 2 Togliatti Russia 15 - 16 February Final 3 Shadrinsk Russia 14 - 15 March Final 4 Inzell Germany 04 - 05 April Final 5 Heerenveen The Netherlands FIM Ice Speedway of Nations 29 Feb - 01 March Final Berlin Germany

According to the website ijsspeedway-assen.nl the Heerenveen meetings are now the 3rd - 5th April 2020

Its official The meeting is on Friday 13th March, and the field will include some 'Ice Racing Legends'

The Bauer Farewell Meeting is now provisionally set for the Friday Night in Inzell, with Practice for the ISG Series meetings put back to Friday at 12.

My pics from Heerenveen - all three meetings: http://iancharlesphotos.net

ICE SPEEDWAY GLADIATORS FINAL 5.2, Heerenveen 31.3.19 Koltakov (13+3+3) 19 Valeev (13+2+2) 17 Ivanov (15+3+1) 19 Khomitsevich (13+2+d) 15 Haarahiltunen (10+1) 11 Iwema( 8+1) 9 N. Svensson (9+d) 9 S. Svensson( 7+0) 7 Niedermaier 6 Weber 6 B. Schaap 5 Ledström 4 Ebner 4 Tuinstra 3 Tani 3 Reitsma (Res) 0 Niek Schaap (Netherlands - Res) 0 Nikita Toloknov 0 Semi Final 1: Ivanov, Valeen, Iwema, N. Svensson (d) Semi Final 2: Koltakov, Khomitsevich, Haarahiltunen S. Svensson Final: Koltakov, Valeev, Ivanov, Khomitsevich (d) OVERALL (*=Wildcard) Ivanov 172, Koltakov 168, Valeev 162, Khomitsevich 158, Weber 89, S. Svensson 77, N. Svensson 74, Haarahiltunen 68, Toloknov 64, Ledström 58, Niedermaier 43, Shishegov 36, Ebner 31, Kolenkin* 22, Jell* 19, Zorn 19, Iwema 16, Tuinstra 13, Tani 9, Pletschacher 9, B. Schaap* 7, Serov* 2, Busch* 1 Not as big a crowd today, but some great racing. Danil won after his Semi Final Win, and sat back in the Final, confident of finishing. Koltakov took silver but the look on his face said it all. expect him to come out fighting next season. Good to see Valeev hauling back from a nightmare yesterday to finish with Bronze, and Khomitsevich fails to make the rostrum for the first time in eight years. Weber was the best of the Western riders but had a poor weekend compaired with Berlin and Inzell, Svensson's are just so good, and Martin Haarahiltunen showed what we missed in Inzell. Tomi Tani retired at the end of today's meeting, along with Simon Reitsma, and both took a lap of honour, to end their careers. Simon's 12 year old son has a bike so look out for Sebastian Reitsma riding for the Netherlands in the near future. Plenty of old riders in attendance, including Erik Gundersen, who is still a massive fan of the Ice. Sat in the Press room watching the racing from his scooter through the masive windows, then occasionally sitting out in the press seating for a crafty fag!

Ice Speedway Gladiators Final 5.1 Heerenveen, Netherlands 29.03.19 Daniil Ivanov (Russia) 15+3+3 21 Dmitry Koltakov (Russia) 14+3+2 19 Dinar Valeev (Russia) 8+2+1 11 Dmitry Khomitsevich (Russia) 13+2+d 15 Stefan Svensson (Sweden) 9+1 10 Niclas Svensson (Sweden) 8+1 9 Martin Haarahiltunen (Sweden) 11+0 11 Ove Ledström (Sweden) 7+0 Johann Weber (Germany) 7 Jasper Iwema (Netherlands) 7 Jimmy Tuinstra (Netherlands) 6 Max Niedermaier (Germany) 5 Charly Ebner (Austria) 3 Nikita Toloknov (Russia) 3 Tomi Tani (Finland) 2 Bart Schaap (Netherlands) 2 Simon Reitsma (Netherlands - Res) 0 SF 1: Ivanov, Valeev, N. Svensson, Haarahiltunen SF 2: Koltakov, Khomitsevich, S.Svensson, Ledstrom Final: Ivanov, Koltakov, Valeev, Khomitsevich (Fd) Danil has a 4 point lead over Koltakov, after Valeev's challenge melted away with two disqual;ifications after silly falls.

Roelof Thijs Bokaal Heerenveen, 29.3.19 1 Konstantin Kolenkin (Russia), 2 Jimmy Olsén (Sweden), 3 Matti Isoaho (Finland), 4 Markus Jell (Germany), 5 Jasper Iwema (Netherlands), 6 Jimmy Tuinstra (Netherlands), 7 Simon Reitsma (Netherlands), 8 Albin Lindblom (Sweden), 9/10 Luca Bauer (Germany), Josef Kreuzberger (Austria) 11/12 Marc Geyer (Germany), Franz Mayerbüchler (Germany), 13/14 Jiří Wildt (Czech Rep.), Philip Lageder (Austria), 15/16 Andreas Lindblom (Sweden), Bart Schaap (Netherlands) 17/18 David Lizák (Czech Rep), Jimmy Hörnell (Sweden), 19/20 Niek Schaap (Netherlands)/ Pontus Fick (Sweden) 21/22 Jani Koivula (Finland), Robert Růžička (Czech Rep), 23/24 Robert Irving (GB), Kevin Arzl (Austria) Entertaining evening all round with the Dutch riders starting to make an impact at this level. Kolenkin was, as expected, unbeatable, although Jell and Olsen did challenge him in some heats. Got to feel sorry for the Schaap brothers, both suffering engine failures in knockout heats when in a position to move forward.in the meeting. Iwema fell in his semi final and failed to make the A final, Jell fell in the final, denying him a possible rostrum place. Good to see Erik Gundersen in attendance at the meeting, sat in his scooter in the press room, and enjoying the racing. Managed to get a photo of him and Nikolai Krasnikov together.

The full line up for Friday night is now: 1 Jimmy Hörnell Sweden 2 Niek Schaap Netherlands 3 Kevin Arzl Austria 4 Jani Koivula Finland 5 David Lizák Czech Rep. 6 Tobias Busch Germany 7 Simon Reitsma Netherlands 8 Robert Irving United Kingdom 9 Bart Schaap Netherlands 10 Josef Kreuzberger Austria 11 Franz Mayerbüchler Germany 12 Jiří Wildt Czech Rep. 13 Pontus Fick Sweden 14 Andreas Lindblom Sweden 15 Philip Lageder Austria 16 Marc Geyer Germany 17 Jimmy Tuinstra Netherlands 18 Matti Isoaho Finland 19 Luca Bauer Germany/Italy 20 Jimmy Olsén Sweden 21 Albin Lindblom Sweden 22 Jasper Iwema Netherlands 23 Markus Jell Germany 24 Konstantin Kolenkin Russia Going to be good to catch up with Rob Irving again, not seen him for a couple of years and really looking forward to seeing Kolenkin ride, after watching him on the internet for a couple of years. Jesper will have live updates here https://live.baansportfansite.nl/event/352/roelof-thijs-bokaal-heerenveen.html

Pictures from Saturday https://iancharlesphotos.net/160319-inzell-final-41 Pictures from Sunday https://iancharlesphotos.net/170319-inzell-final-42 I have this sneaking feeling that young Dinar Valeev could well walk away with a gold medal this year. But with four riders separated by 6 points it's going to go down to the wire!

Looks like the reserves will have a busy Sunday!

Possibly he will miss Heerenveen too from what I hear.I understand Franz Mayerbuchler is his replacement this weekend.

Jell should have been given the Wild Card anyway as the German Champion. I know Bauer is the local rider, and puts bums on seats, but if he never qualified (having pulled out with illness - I know), then he shouldn't be given the wild card at either Berlin or Inzell in the first place. I'd wager he'll struggle this weekend. Rant over. So apart from the usual suspects (me, Jesper, Steve and Buxton Tiger) who else is going to Inzell?

Berlin now on line with FIM TV Spoke with him yesterday, he's still waiting but plans to drive there when he gets confirmation.

Jimmy Tuinstra will replace Martin Haarahiltunen at Inzell, and Tomi Tani will replace Andrei Shishegov. When I spoke to Martin on Sunday in Berlin he was hoping to be back for Heerenveen. Jimmy Tuinstra has the wild card for Heerenveen so if Martin is fit, it won't be a problem, however if he isnt will Bauer make the trip? Luca is riding on the Friday night, so he could be there if needed.

Line-up Roelof Thijs Bokaal 2019 - Heerenveen - 29 March 2019 Kevin Arzl Austria Luca Bauer Germany/Italy Tobias Busch Germany Pontus Fick Sweden Marc Geyer Germany Pierre Hallén Sweden Jimmy Hörnell Sweden Matti Isoaho Finland Jasper Iwema Netherlands Markus Jell Germany Jani Koivula Finland Konstantin Kolenkin Russia Philip Lageder Austria Albin Lindblom Sweden Andreas Lindblom Sweden David Lizák Czech Rep. Franz Mayerbüchler Germany Jimmy Olsén Sweden Simon Reitsma Netherlands Bart Schaap Netherlands Niek Schaap Netherlands Tomi Tani Finland Jimmy Tuinstra Netherlands Jiří Wildt Czech Rep. This is still a provisional line up and there could be changes between today and the end of March.

Had a great if somewhat tiring weekend in Berlin, and thanks to Jesper for doing the updates from the meetings. I've put my photos from the weekend on my website https://iancharlesphotos.net Also look out for Bike magazine in the near future, as there was a British Freelance Photographer at his first meeting doing a feature on the sport. He was suitably impressed and he hope to got to some more meetings.

German Championship, Berlin, February 28 (Germany unless stated) Markus Jell (3, 3, 3, 3, 3) 15 Hans Weber (3, 3, 3, 2, 3) 14 Franz Mayerbuchler (2, 2, 3, 3, 3) 13 Max Niedermaier (d, 3, 2, 3, 3) 11 Stefan Pletschacher (3, 2, 2, 2, 2) 11 Bart Schaap (Netherlands) (2, 3, 2, 0, 1) 8 Tobias Busch (3, 2, 1, R, 2) 8 Marc Geyer (2, 1, R, 3, 2) 8 Christof Kirchner (2, 0, 3, 1, 0) 6 Timo Kankkunen (Finland) (1, 0, 1, 1, 2) 5 Simon Reitsma (Netherlands) (1, 1, 0, 2, 1) 5 Jiri Wildt (Czech Rep.) (1, 1, 1, 1, 1) 5 Niek Schaap (Netherlands) (1, F, 2, F, 0) 3 Luca Bauer (d, 2, 0, d, 1) 3 Philip Lageder (Austria) (0, 0, 0, 2, 0) 2 Well done Markus Jell with a surprise win, and well done to Franz Mayerbuchler finishing third, another surprise.

Jesper is there but to the best of my knowledge, his mate who does the Periscope isn't there. he usually puts a link on the live updates, but there isn't one. Jesper flew to Berlin rather than drove so either a) his car is cream crackered or b) he's had one to many German Speeding tickets and doesn't want to risk ant more!

Just been told Gunther Bauer has withdrawn from the German Championship and his wild card spot from the Weekend's Ice Speedway Gladiators meeting. I understand he has Influenza and fever. Celina Liebmann will replace him in the German Championship, whilst Tobias Busch gets the Wild Card spot with Marc Geyer replacing Busch at reserve.

Super League Round 8 Togliatti, Sunday February 24 Togliatti 39 Danil Ivanov (3, 3, 3, 3, 0) 12 Igor Kononov (2, 3, 2, D, 3) 10 Nikita Toloknov (1, 2, 2, 3, 2) 10 Evgeni Saydullin (0, 2, 0, 3, 2) 7 Kamensk Ural 29 Dmitri Khomitsevich (3, 3, 3, 0, 1) 10 Evgeni Sharov (1, 1, 1, 2, 2) 7 Nikita Tarasov (2, 1, 2, 2, 1) 8 Ivan Khuzhin (EF, 0, 1, 2, 1) 4 Shadrinsk 26+3 Dmitri Koltakov (3, 2, 3, 2, 3) 13+3 Konstantin Kolenkin (2, 2, 1, 3, 2) 10 Dmitri Borodin (1, 0, 0, 1, 0) 2 German Khazmurzin (1, D, 0, 0, 0) 1 Ufa 26+D Dinar Valeev (3, 3, 3, 1, 3) 13+D Ivan Chichkov (2, 1, 1, 1, 3) 8 Nikita Shadrin (0, 0, 2, 1, 1) 4 Dmitri Bulankin (FD, 1, 0) 1 Nikita Bogdanov (0) 0 Final Table (Round 2 abandoned - result does not stand) Togliatti 31 (5, -, 5,3,5,3,5,5) Ufa 19 (3,-,3,5,3,2,2,1) Kamensk Ural 16 (2,-,1,1,1,5,3,3) Shadrinsk 11 (1,-,2,2,2,1,1,2) Streams were all a bit iffy this morning, but there were one or two good races. Valeev barged Koltakov in the run off to earn an exclusion after taking Dimon off. At least next week I'm off to Berlin for my first live meetings of the season, so if any of you are going please say hello if you see me.

Super League live now - 8th and final round https://vk.com/megalada?z=video-111317253_456239151%2Fa38269b3c2adfb9e8b%2Fpl_wall_-111317253

RUSSIAN SUPER LEAGUE ROUND 7, TOGLIATTI, FEBRUARY 23 Togliatti 39.5 Danil Ivanov (3, 3, 3, 1, 3) 13 Igor Kononov (3, 3, 1, 3) 10 Nikita Toloknov (1, 1, 3, 2, 3) 10 Evgeni Saydullin (2, 2.5, Ef, 1, 1) 6.5 Igor Saydullin (ef) 0 Kamensk Ural 33.5 Dmitri Khomitsevich (3, 3, 3, 0, 3) 12 Nikita Tarasov (2, 2, 1, 3, 2) 10 Evgeni Sharov (2, 2.5, 2, 1, FD) 7.5 Ivan Khuzhin (2, 2) 4 Vladimir Bobin (0, 0, 0, 0) 0 Ufa 30 Dinar Valeev (3, 2, 3, 2, 1) 11 Ivan Chichkov (1, 2, 1, 3, 1) 8 Dmitri Bulankin (1, 1, 2, 0, 1) 5 Nikita Bogdanov (1, 1, 0, 1) 3 Nikita Shadrin (3) 3 Shadrinsk 17 Konstantin Kolenkin (2, 0, 2, 2, 2) 8 Dmitri Koltakov (1, 2, 3) 6 German Khazmurzin (0, 0, 0, 0, 2) 2 Franz Zorn (0, 0, 1, 0) 1 Dmitri Borodin (0, 0, 0) 0 Mega Lads Togliatti are League Champions. Quite a good feed today, and some cracking racing with a dead heat thrown in for good measure in Heat 5, when Evgeni Saydullin tried a list minute dash to the line, only to finish in a dead heat with Sharov. Koltakov didn't look all that happy with his performance, and Franky Zorn struggled although he was making starts, he was easily passed by the young Russians. The final round is tomorrow at 10.00GMT