U19 European Speedway Pairs Championship, Pocking: Germany tipped the balance

Hopes of a medal were high in the final of the U19 European Pairs Championship at the Rottalstadion in Pocking, but in the end the German team came away empty-handed. Patrick Hyjek and Tyler Haupt got off to a flying start with a 5–1 victory over the Czech Republic, but their second outing proved a setback: against Sweden, the score stood at 2–4 to Germany’s disadvantage when Hyjek, lying in second place, crashed in the third lap. After another 5–1 victory against Ukraine’s one-man team, Hyjek and Haupt lost to the British side, meaning the battle for bronze – in which Germany, Sweden and Great Britain were all firmly in contention – remained exciting.

Germany helped Poland to the title

In the decisive second half of the race, a duel ensued between the leading Danes and the Poles. After the start, Jacob Jensen took the lead and pulled away from the field, whilst Bartosz Banbor and Mikkel Andersen battled it out for second place. The Pole came out on top, meaning the race ended 4–2 in Denmark’s favour, which put the Scandinavians in the best possible position ahead of the final heats.

In the final heat, Denmark faced Germany; a clear victory would have seen the Danes secure the title. However, the German duo proved to be the deciding factor: Hyjek and Haupt were in first and third place respectively after the start – and even though U21 world champion Mikkel Andersen, in second place, struggled to make ground, the pair held their positions and dealt the Danes a painful defeat shortly before the end of the race.

The Poles ruthlessly capitalised on the title opportunity that presented itself, overtaking the Danes with a 5–1 victory over Slovenia in their final race to claim gold. In the final race of the day, William Cairns and Cooper Rushen were ahead of the Ukrainian Makar Levishyn until just before the finish line, which would have secured them bronze; however, with a spirited attack, the Ukrainian overtook Cooper Rushen on the home straight and sent the British pair into a bronze play-off.

In the play-off, William Cairns faced Patrick Hyjek, who had to start from the outside lane. Hyjek was unable to get ahead of the British rider in the first bend, and his subsequent attacks also proved unsuccessful, meaning that Germany narrowly missed out on a medal on home soil.

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Results: U19 European Speedway Pairs Championship Final, Pocking, Germany: