PGE Ekstraliga announces regulatory changes for junior riders

The PGE Ekstraliga and Metalkas 2. Ekstraliga have officially announced significant changes to their competition regulations. The new rules specifically target the reserve positions designated as numbers 8 and 16 in the race program.

Under the new regulations, only Polish juniors under the age of 21 are permitted to occupy these reserve positions. Previously, these slots could be filled by riders of any nationality up to the age of 24. While these positions remain non-mandatory, the restriction on both age and nationality is expected to limit tactical flexibility for several clubs.

In a review of the 2026 season statistics, Kevin Małkiewicz of Bayersystem GKM Grudziądz was noted as the most frequently excluded rider, having been disqualified from heats five times. Other notable exclusions included Rohan Tungate, who was excluded four times, and several high-profile riders such as Brady Kurtz, the Pawlicki brothers, and Fredrik Lindgren, who were each excluded three times.