From the very beginning in Togliatti, European Champion 2013 Martin Vaculik was riding incredibly well. In his first four starts, he had no competition by winning all of them. The only loss in main series happend in the 19th heat (with Maksim Bogdanovs finishing as first).

Except Vaculik, local hero Emil Sayfutdinov made the final as well. Looking at the top, Nicki Pedersen had some ups and downs, but in the most important moments, he was able to mobilize himself and fight for the best score. It was no different in Togliatti. In the last chance heat, Pedersen came behind Patryk Dudek, but it was enough to advance to the final.

Then, the collision happened. At the first corner, Vaculik hooked Pedersen, who fell down at the track instantly. Referee decided to exclude Slovakian from the heat's repeat. It was kind of a shock for him, because throughout the whole meeting, he was riding great and surely counted on a better score. The most disappointed rider at that moment though, was Emil Sayfutdinov, who was leading the stake in the disrupted heat. Fans were preparing for another Sayfutdinov's triumph at his homeland, but it was Pedersen who took the charge on that night. Dane set the first corner perfectly, took the lead and won for the second time in 2014 season.

What's more, he did it at the Sayfutdinov's area. Pedersen's advantage over Russian decreased to one point, but in front of the riders there were already shining a sign "Holsted" - Pedersen's home track. Dane became the favourite to reach for SEC golden medal.