Polish icon Bartosz Zmarzlik admits “overcoming adversity” at the WWK FIM Speedway GP of Germany – Landshut made that victory his favourite of 2025.
The record-equalling six-time world champion made a dream start to last year when he won the sprint race in the Speedway GP season opener at the OneSolar Arena on May 3.
But his afternoon threatened to turn sour when Zmarzlik went from earning first choice of starting positions for the evening’s event to picking last, after being sent to the back of the line, having been adjudged to have arrived late for starting number selections.
That setback only spurred Zmarzlik on and he topped the Landshut podium that evening – a huge result in a season when he pipped Aussie star Brady Kurtz to the Speedway GP gold medal by just one point.
Zmarzlik also topped the podium in Prague and at round five in Manchester. But asked his favourite win of 2025, he said: “Landshut stands out for me. It was a very difficult weekend with last choice of starting positions, so winning there required patience and smart decisions. Victories like that are very satisfying because they come from overcoming adversity, not just raw speed.”
Asked how he dealt with the frustration of being sent to the back of the line for gate selections, he said: “Of course, it was frustrating at first, but I quickly reminded myself that complaining doesn’t change anything.
“I focused on adapting my riding style and working closely with my team on the bike setup. Step by step, things started to click and that made the win even more rewarding.”
There is still time to vote for Zmarzlik as he bids to win the prestigious Przeglad Sportowy Polish Athlete of the Year prize – Poland’s equivalent of BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Vote for the Speedway GP history-maker HERE now.