Zenon Plech facts for kids
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| Born | 1 January 1953 Zwierzyn, Poland |
|---|---|
| Died | 25 November 2020 (aged 67) Gdansk, Poland |
| Nationality |  Poland |
| Current club information | |
| Career status | Coach |
| Coach | Polonia Bydgoszcz |
| Career history | |
| Poland | |
| 1970–1976 | Gorzów Wlkp. |
| 1977–1987 | Gdańsk |
| Great Britain | |
| 1975–1976, 1979–1981 | Hackney Hawks |
| 1982 | Sheffield Tigers |
| Individual honours | |
| 1972, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1985 | Polish Champion |
| 1980, 1983 | Continental Champion |
| Team honours | |
| 1985 | Polish League Champion |
Zenon Plech (born January 1, 1953 – died November 25, 2020) was a famous Polish motorcycle speedway rider. He was known around the world for his skills. Zenon achieved great success in his career. He finished third in the Speedway World Championship in 1973. Later, he was the runner-up, or second place, in the same championship in 1979.
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Zenon Plech's Racing Career
Zenon Plech was a very successful speedway rider in Poland. He won the Individual Speedway Polish Championship five times. These wins were in 1972, 1975, 1979, 1985, and 1986. He also came in second place twice, in 1981 and 1983.
Competing for Poland
Zenon was also a key member of the Poland speedway team. He helped his team win third place in the World Team Cup twice. These victories happened in 1972 and again in 1981.
A Controversial Race in 1973
One of Zenon Plech's most talked-about races was the 1973 World Final. This race took place in Chorzów, Poland. During the race, there was a moment that caused a lot of debate. In one heat, Zenon fell off his bike. He claimed another rider had caused him to fall.
The referee decided to award Zenon second place in that heat, even though he didn't finish. This decision was very important. The points he gained from this second place helped him finish third overall in the championship. Many people, including other famous riders, thought the decision was unfair. They believed Zenon should not have received points for that heat. If he hadn't, his final position in the championship would have been lower.
Racing in Great Britain
Zenon Plech also raced for teams in Great Britain. He rode for the Hackney Hawks from 1975 to 1981. He missed two seasons, 1977 and 1978, because he was serving in the Polish Army. During his absence, the Hackney Hawks team used a special rule called "Zenon Plech (Rider Replacement)" for the entire 1977 season. After his time with Hackney, he briefly rode for the Sheffield Tigers in the Speedway British League.
Zenon's World Championship Races
Zenon Plech competed in many important world championships. He showed great skill and determination in these races.
Individual World Championship Appearances
Zenon competed in the Individual World Championship several times.
- In 1973, he finished in 3rd place in Chorzów, Poland.
- In 1979, he achieved his best result, finishing in 2nd place in Chorzów, Poland.
He also competed in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1980, 1981, and 1983.
World Pairs Championship Appearances
Zenon also raced in the World Pairs Championship, where two riders from a country team up.
- In 1973, he helped Poland finish 3rd in Borås, Sweden.
- In 1979, his team again finished 3rd in Vojens, Denmark.
- In 1980, he helped Poland achieve 2nd place in Krsko, Yugoslavia.
- In 1981, his team finished 3rd in Chorzów, Poland.
World Team Cup Appearances
Zenon was a regular member of the Polish team in the World Team Cup.
- In 1972, his team finished 3rd in Olching, West Germany.
- In 1974, Poland came in 3rd in Chorzów, Poland.
- In 1976, his team achieved 2nd place in London, Great Britain.
- In 1978, Poland finished 3rd in Landshut, West Germany.
- In 1980, his team came in 3rd in Wrocław, Poland.
Life After Racing
After he stopped racing, Zenon Plech became a coach. He coached speedway clubs in different Polish cities. These included Gdańsk, Gorzów Wlkp., and Wrocław.
He also managed the Polish national team. Under his guidance, the team finished second in the 2001 Speedway World Cup Final. They came in just behind Australia in a race held in Wrocław. Later, he coached the Polonia Bydgoszcz team and the U-16 (under 16) team for Wybrzeże Gdańsk. Zenon Plech was also a speedway commentator for Polish television, sharing his knowledge with fans.
Images for kids
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Zenon Plech, a famous Polish speedway rider.
See also
In Spanish: Zenon Plech para niños
