ZMARZLIK CONFIRMS GORZOW EXIT

Double world champion Bartosz Zmarzlik has confirmed that he will end his 11-year stay with boyhood PGE Ekstraliga club Stal Gorzow at the end of the season.

Speculation has rife in the Polish media in recent days that Zmarzlik is heading to league leaders Lublin for 2023. While the rider is yet to confirm his next destination, he was determined to put an end to the rumours and pledges to give Gorzów his all as they prepare for the end-of-season play-offs.

Bartek started his PGE Ekstraliga career at Gorzow in 2011 and has won eight medals in their colours, including league titles in 2014 and 2016.

Zmarzlik insists the transfer is not money-motivated, but driven by a desire to continue pushing himself and move forward in the sport.

The 27-year-old, who captains Poland in FIM Speedway of Nations Semi-Final 1 at Vojens on Wednesday, posted the news on his official Facebook page.

The Speedway GP World Championship leader wrote: “For the past few days in the media, you have read a lot of rumours about my future. Even though the 2022 season is ongoing and the main round is not over yet, I would like you to hear explanations directly from me.

“Until October 31, 2022, I have an important contract at Stal Gorzów and I can assure you that I will fulfil it until the end with the greatest care and professionalism. For today, however, it is certain that in the 2023 season I will not be a rider for Stal Gorzów. The decision was made after deep thought and it is certainly not hasty.

“I spent 11 incredible years in Gorzów, during which we celebrated eight medals in the league together. Gorzów is my home and nothing will change that. I’m sure a lot of you are in deep shock and have mixed emotions right now, but…

“I don’t leave for the money. That was never the most important thing in my life. After so many wonderful years, in which I proudly wore and still wear yellow and blue colours, I felt that I reached the wall and in order to go further, and achieve even more, I need to change something.

“Several people in the comments made an argument that I would definitely say that I need to develop and I won’t convince anyone. I wish things were different. Every person needs an extra boost every now and then to keep going. In standing still, we’re going backwards, and I don’t want to go backwards. I want to try something different, I want to feel like I’ve done enough in life to not disappoint myself.

“Here I would like to sincerely thank the board and the training staff of Stal Gorzów for everything. I have felt your tremendous support throughout all these seasons.  You are the reason I am where I am at this point in my career. I always proudly wear my captain’s band that means so much to me. However, the real goodbye will come after the season. I want to do it with dignity.

“Of course, I equally want to thank you, the fans, for all the messages you have written to me lately. Contrary to some opinions, I read them quite carefully and am often moved by them. It is a great pride and honour to race for you. I am eternally grateful for your cheering, for your faith, for the millions of photos and smiles that made my heart warm. This might be corny but….. I’m not saying goodbye but see ya later. I hope that we will cross paths in speedway again. I tried never to  disappoint you guys.. I’m counting on you not to disappoint me now.

“Remember that we still have hard work to do TOGETHER. The PGE Ekstraliga play-offs are about to come and I deeply hope that TOGETHER we will fight for medals. I strongly hope that after what you have just read, you will at least understand my decision a little. Here I promise that me and my whole team will do everything we can to go seven more matches this season. Nothing changes, I always give my 100 percent and it will be the same in the most important meetings.”