EKSTRALIGA ROUND-UP | KOLODZIEJ SET FOR SURGERY

Polish racer Janusz Kolodziej is set for surgery after suffering a broken bone in his shoulder as well as a dislocation during Leszno’s 54-35 loss away to Grudziadz on Friday.

The former Speedway GP winner crashed while leading race 12 after being caught by former teammate Jaimon Lidsey, who was disqualified, with the Pole awarded the victory.

After undergoing hospital checks, Kolodziej confirmed on his official Facebook page that he suffered a dislocated shoulder as well as a fracture to his greater tubercle – the bone at the tip of the shoulder.

The post read: “Janusz Kołodziej has already undergone tests. The captain of FOGO Unia Leszno suffered a dislocation of the shoulder joint with a fracture of the greater tubercle. On Monday, the rider will undergo surgery. At this point, it is difficult to say how long it will take for Janusz to return to the track. Keep your fingers crossed for Janusz.”

Kolodziej ended the match with 10 paid 11 points, which still made him Leszno’s top performer. Speedway GP star Andzejs Lebedevs scored seven along with Grzegorz Zengota.

Aussie ace Max Fricke led Grudziadz to victory with a 14 paid 15-point maximum, with Vadim Tarasenko also unbeaten on 13 paid 15. 

Former Speedway GP world champion Jason Doyle warmed up for next Saturday’s Orlen FIM Speedway GP of Poland – Warsaw by bagging 11 paid 13, with Lidsey notching nine paid 10.

In Friday’s other meeting, Great Britain star Robert Lambert also maintained his strong scoring ahead of Warsaw, racing to 12 paid 13 points for Torun as they triumphed 52-38 at home to Wroclaw. Lambert was aided by a 10 paid 11-point tally from Patryk Dudek, with another former SGP Pole, Pawel Przedpelski, scoring 10.

Former Speedway GP world champion Artem Laguta led Wroclaw’s score chart on 13 paid 15 from six, with Maciej Janowski adding 11, Dan Bewley recording nine and Tai Woffinden registering two.

Sunday’s fixtures see Czestochowa welcome champions Lublin, before fireworks are expected as Zielona Gora hosts Gorzow the first Lubuskie derby since Falubaz’s top-flight return.

For full details of Friday’s results, scorers and the latest league table, click HERE.