Michael Härtel in the national team: “Knowing that I’m not talking rubbish”

With the training camp in Abensberg, the World Cup semi-final and the final of the Speedway of Nations 2, Michael Härtel had already had three opportunities to work alongside German team managers Mathias Bartz and Sascha Dörner and play his part, after he had agreed over the winter to join the support staff.

“I really enjoyed working with the lads and lasses over the winter; I settled in very well. Landshut was right on my doorstep, and even without an official role, I tried to contribute my experience,” said Härtel, looking back on his first assignments. “I was curious to see how the riders would take to me as a person. It was almost a given that this wouldn’t be a problem with the younger riders. I was particularly curious about how my former rivals from back in the day would react. But it turned out very positively, because the lads were really pleased that someone who knows what it’s all about on the track was getting involved.”

Härtel takes a realistic view

Even though Michi Härtel, who had to end his racing career following several injuries, threw himself into the team’s efforts, it wasn’t enough to defeat the British side at the home One-Solar-Arena in Landshut and reach the World Cup final.

“All in all, it was quite alright. Whenever anyone asked me if we were disappointed with the result, I told them that of course we wanted to win. But if you look at the whole thing realistically and assess it sensibly, you have to be honest with yourself and recognise that the English are stronger than us,” said Härtel on the German team’s elimination. “It really would have had to be our day, and a lot would have had to go wrong for the English. You can’t assume we’ll beat the English just because we’re racing at home.”

We gave it our all and the bronze was a great achievement.

Michi Härtel on the bronze at SON2

The race in Prague was more successful, where Germany, as defending champions, competed in the Speedway of Nations 2 and won bronze. “I went to Prague with no expectations and had my old mechanic in tow. By that time, Mario Häusl had parted ways with his Polish mechanic, so my former mechanic was able to step in straight away,” explained Härtel. “We got the most out of it and the medal was a great achievement. We worked well together and I got on particularly well with the trio we had with us. They also know that when I recommend they change the gear ratio, I’m not talking rubbish. I was in constant contact with Matze Bartz. Even as a rider in team events, it’s always been important to me to completely block out everything else you might otherwise have with your team-mates. You see that with the Danes or the Poles – they’re a team through and through. It worked well for us too, and we also had that bit of luck you need every now and then. It was great fun.”

You can read about how Michael Härtel experienced working with team managers Matze Bartz and Sascha Dörner, and why he’d like to continue working as part of this trio, in the second part of the interview, coming soon.