LATVIAN SGP SET FOR RIGA

The FIM Speedway Grand Prix series debuts in Latvian capital Riga next year as the 2014 European Capital of Culture hosts the Latvian FIM Speedway Grand Prix on August 16.

SGP rights holders BSI Speedway have signed a two-year deal with promoter Speedway Grand Prix of Latvia to bring the series to its fifth capital city for 2014 and Daugavpils in 2015.

World Championship racing returned to Latvia this year after a two-season absence at Daugavpils’ Lokomotiv Stadium, which staged the Latvian SGP for the fifth time in its history.

But with the support of the nation’s government, the Latvian Motorcycle Federation will bring the sport to Bikernieku Sport Complex. Built in the 1960s, the venue is set in the Bikernieku Forest and stages both two and four-wheeled action.

Latvian speedway is on the crest of a wave at the moment after the national team stormed to sixth place in the Monster Energy FIM Speedway World Cup last summer, while teenager Andzejs Lebedevs finished fourth in this year’s FIM Speedway Under-21 World Championship.

BSI Speedway managing director Paul Bellamy hopes Latvian speedway will grow even stronger with a round of the World Championship in the capital city.

He said: “Moving the Latvian FIM Speedway Grand Prix to Riga is fantastic news for the SGP series and the sport in Latvia.

“We have seen from SGP events held in Denmark, Great Britain, Sweden and the Czech Republic that hosting an event in a capital city elevates the profile and perception of the sport.

“Next year Riga is the official European Capital of Culture and it will be an attractive proposition for many speedway fans as a weekend destination.

“I am certain that many supporters from across Europe will take the opportunity to take in the sights of this great city as well as watching the best riders in the world compete for the sport’s top prize.”