We're with Erik Riss, 21-year old rider from Germany, who was 4th in the first final of Individual Speedway Junior World Championship.
In King's Lynn you didn't get win, but still, you can be happy with reaching the final. Do you agree with that?
I am happy that I reached the final, but I am not happy about a 4th place in the final. Also, I am not happy about my points.
Beginning of the tournament was quite difficult for you. What happened?
I had a crash in the first heat when a polish rider took me into the fence. My bike was bend after that crash and was hard to ride in the rerun. So i switched to the other bike for the second heat and made a good start but then made a mistake and someone past me. In the 3rd heat I had another crash because the rider in front of me made a mistake. So my second bike was also bend. Then i had to go on with a bend bike which wasn't perfect but i made the best of it.
How did the great final look from your point of view? Was there any chance for a victory?
I think I had good chances to win it, because my starts were perfect all evening and i had 3 good heats before the final. I also beat Lambert in one heat, so i had a good chance to win it. I made a bad start in the final which cost me the win. It was my mistake in the preparation of the start gate, but i learn from it and come back stronger next time.
Meeting in King's Lynn was a very long one, over four hours. Was it a tough day?
Yeah, it was a really long day. The track was pretty difficult for a couple of riders because it was pretty slick in the first corner, so it got really tight there.
Next tournament of Speedway Junior World Championship will be held in September. Is it a pity that you must have to wait for so long?
Yeah it is a shame that we need to wait so long. The u21 GP's are such good events. It makes so much fun as a rider because its so well promoted. I think the guys from One Sport are doing an awesome job. I enjoyed the first round so much and can't wait for the next one.
