In just one month’s time – 25–26 July – the Smeceres Sils motocross track in Madona, Latvia, will welcome the world’s best sidecar motocross and quad riders. Following the successful debut of last year’s event, Madona will once again host a FIM Sidecar Motocross World Championship round, while for the first time also staging a FIM Quadcross World Championship round.
Last year’s event became one of the most attended and emotional rounds of the season, attracting more than 7,000 spectators. Home favourites Daniels and Bruno Lielbārži claimed a historic victory in front of their fans, while both the FIM and the World Championship promoter praised the Madona round as one of the best-organised events of the season.
Latvian fans have another exciting reason to look forward to this year’s event. At last weekend’s World Championship round in Belgium, Daniels and Bruno Lielbārži secured second place, earning their first podium finish of the season and confirming that they are among the leading contenders as the championship enters its second half.
“It feels great to be back on the podium. We always knew we had the speed to fight for the top positions, but every time something seemed to stand in our way. This result was important not only for us, but also for our team and everyone supporting us. It gives us even more confidence heading into the next rounds, especially our home race in Madona. We know what it means to race in front of our home fans, and we can’t wait to return to the Smeceres Sils track,” say Daniels and Bruno Lielbārži.
Meanwhile, preparations for the event continue at full speed, with organisers focusing on further improving both the venue and the overall spectator experience.
“Preparations are progressing very well. We are working on both the track and the surrounding infrastructure while implementing improvements based on feedback from last year’s visitors. This year we are expanding parking capacity, improving traffic management, and, together with our telecommunications partner LMT, significantly enhancing internet connectivity across the venue. Our goal is to ensure that every visitor enjoys a true world-class motorsport experience in Madona,” says event organiser Guntis Ķeveris.
Agris Lungevičs, Chairman of the Madona Municipality Council and Vice President of the Latvian Motorcyclists Federation, emphasises that the return of the World Championship to Madona is a strong recognition of both the organisers and the region’s ability to host major international sporting events.
“Last year’s event proved that Madona is capable of organising world-class motorsport competitions. We see this as much more than just a sporting event—it brings significant benefits to the entire region by attracting thousands of visitors, supporting local businesses and strengthening Madona’s reputation on the international motorsport map. This year we are taking another important step by hosting, alongside the Sidecar Motocross World Championship, the FIM Quadcross World Championship for the first time, making this one of the biggest motorsport weekends in the Baltic States.”
Five-time European Quad Champion Kevin Saar of Estonia also considers Madona to be one of the most exciting stops on this year’s calendar. Although he has not yet raced at Smeceres Sils, he believes the circuit offers something unique.
“Tracks with significant elevation changes are usually hard-packed, but Madona combines hills with a sandy surface. That makes it completely different from the rest of the championship. However, a great race weekend is not only about the track – the fans and the atmosphere are just as important. From what I experienced last year, Madona certainly has something special,” says Saar.
Latvia will also be strongly represented in the Quadcross World Championship this season. Several of the country’s leading riders – Kārlis Neija, Kārlis Straubergs and Reinis Bicāns – are competing regularly against the world’s best quad riders. Neija currently sits 7th in the championship standings, while Straubergs is 9th, demonstrating the competitiveness of Latvian riders at world level. At last year’s European Championship round in Madona, local fans celebrated two podium finishes, with Reinis Bicāns taking silver and Kārlis Neija winning bronze. This year, Latvian supporters will once again be hoping for home success.
The championship weekend offers entertainment for both motorsport enthusiasts and families. Saturday, 25 July, will feature free practice sessions and qualifying races, where riders will battle for the best starting positions ahead of Sunday’s finals. From 8:00 p.m., spectators can enjoy a live concert by Rihards Saule & SmartBand, performing legendary international rock hits alongside popular Latvian songs in special arrangements.
On Sunday, 26 July, the programme begins with warm-up sessions, followed by the official opening ceremony and a rider autograph session. From 11:30 a.m., the decisive World Championship races in both the Sidecar Motocross and Quadcross classes will determine the winners of the Madona round and award valuable championship points.
Tickets are available through Biļešu Paradīze ticket offices and online. Parking tickets must be purchased separately.
More information: www.wscmadona.com
