The Togliatti track, 1,200 km south-east of Moscow on the banks of the Volga, was the venue on 9 and 10 February of the second event of the Motul FIM Ice Speedway Gladiators World Championship. No less than 7,000 enthusiasts came along, braving the fierce winds and -10°C temperature! Saturday's races were again dominated by Russian champion Daniil Ivanov and only two falls were suffered, those of Eduard Krysov and Harald Simon, which prevented them from taking part in the last race of the day.
On the following day, the wind quietened a bit, leaving an excellent track for fine confrontation. Ivanov took the lead again in race one, but in the final he came up against the talent of Dmitry Koltakov, a rising star supported technically by Motul. Koltakov took a memorable win, allowing him to rise in the championship standings, passing from third to second place, ahead of Dmitri Khomitsevich.
Austrian Franz Zorn finished first of the non-Russian riders, ahead of compatriot Harald Simon.
There will now be a one month break in the championship before it travels to Europe. The third round will take place on the Assen track, Netherlands, on 9 and 10 March.
Standings
01// Daniil Ivanov (Russia), 81 pts
02// Dmitry Koltakov (Russia), 74 pts - Motul
03// Dmitri Khomitsevich (Russia), 63 pts
Photo credits: David Reygondeau
