TWO-YEAR DEAL FOR POLISH BOSS DOBRUCKI

New Polish senior coach Rafal Dobrucki has penned a two-year contract to officially succeed Marek Cieslak from 2021.

Dobrucki has huge boots to fill as he replaces the most successful national team coach of the 21st century. Cieslak stepped down from the role with seven FIM Speedway World Cup wins to his name, as well as two Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations silver medals.

The former Pila icon has coached the Polish Under-21 team since 2012, winning an impressive 18 championship medals, including eight FIM Team Speedway Under-21 World Championship gold medals in nine seasons.

Dobrucki will oversee both Poland’s senior team and their under-21 side, and PZM speedway commission chairman Piotr Szymanski is backing him to transfer success with the nation’s young guns on to the senior stage.

He told the team's official website: “I am pleased to announce that a unanimous decision was made that Rafal Dobrucki will take over the duties of the coach of the Polish National Team Speedway for seniors and juniors.

“It was a very easy decision to make. Together with the president of the PZM, Michal Sikora and Rafal, we have agreed that the first contract will be in force for two years.

“As you all know, Rafal Dobrucki has been a coach of the junior national team since 2012. This cooperation is going very well. The results are on a high level, I hope that Rafal is also pleased with our cooperation so far.

“It is natural that it is Rafal who will replace Marek Cieslak as the coach of the Polish Speedway Team.”

Dobrucki admits he’s under no illusions as to the weight of expectation now on his shoulders.

He said: “Thank you very much for this nomination. It is a pleasure and an honour to be able to work with the best speedway team in the world. I am aware of the expectations associated with this position, and with such support, I am sure that we will be able to enjoy the results achieved.”