Speedway Ludwigslust: Kevin Wölbert took the pre-race squabbles in his stride

Even in the run-up to the international speedway race in Ludwigslust for the eighth Karl-Heinz-Podeyn Cup, there was plenty to talk about, as just a few days before the race, last year’s winner Kevin Wölbert posted on social media explaining why he would not be in the line-up in Ludwigslust.

“Unfortunately, those currently in charge of sporting matters did not contact me beforehand. Consequently, there were no discussions about my possible participation or the relevant conditions. Consequently, no agreement, contract or other arrangement was reached,” said Wölbert, who lives in Heidhof, just around 30 km from Ludwigslust. “Despite my long-standing connection to the event and the club, and the support from my sponsors, no attempt was made to speak to me, nor was any basis laid for further collaboration. I find this particularly baffling given that I am the holder of the Karl-Heinz-Podeyn Cup.”

In the days following the post, discussions took place and MC Ludwigslust was able to confirm Wölbert’s signing; nothing now stood in the way of last year’s winner taking part.

Wölbert remained unfazed

Wölbert appeared unfazed by the squabbles during the race and was the only German to qualify for the final for the day’s victory with 13 points. In the heats, the veteran was the only rider to beat the Latvian Oleg Mihailovs, who led the standings with 14 points ahead of Wölbert and Viktor Trofimov. In the final, the Heidhof native was initially in fourth place, but managed to overtake Nicolai Heiselberg, Mihailovs and Viktor Trofimov to secure victory once again and the Karl-Heinz-Podeyn Cup.

Tyler Haupt also impressed with a strong performance. Although the teenager did not win any heats, he scored points very consistently and finished sixth with nine points. Ben Iken was the third German to compete: after finishing last in two heats, the northern German improved his form and finished eleventh with five points.

Results: Speedway Ludwigslust/D: