The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Great Dane signs on at the Showground
Peterborough Panthers have pulled off the shock signing of former Grand Prix rider Bjarne Pedersen.
Dane Pedersen has three top flight UK titles under his belt with Poole and spent seven seasons on the GP circuit but hasn’t figured in the British League since 2016.
He’s confirmed it will be his farewell season at the age of 42 – and he wants to bow out with a season to remember with the Panthers.
Pedersen said: “Everyone knows I’ve had some great times in England and I want to do really well for Peterborough.
“It’s come at the perfect time for me. To be honest, I was thinking perhaps I might get a call later in the year, but for me to do this now is perfect.
“I know six of the Peterborough team and I’m sure we will get a good team spirit going. I’m really looking forward to it and I hope we can get going in May as things look like they are improving slowly in the UK.
“I also love the Peterborough track. The Showground has always been one of my favourites in the UK.”
Panthers boss Rob Lyon was delighted to get his man after both Niels-Kristian Iversen and Rohan Tungate were ruled out by signing contracts on the continent.
Lyon said: “Bjarne’s always been very professional. His equipment is always immaculate and I know he is keen to show everyone at Peterborough he still has what it takes to score plenty of points.
“When you look down his career he’s done the lot. He knows the British tracks obviously and I believe he can bring a lot of value to the Peterborough team.
“With the absence of riders like Niels, Robert Lambert and Jason Doyle from British racing this year it means Bjarne should be challenging for double figure scores in most meetings and we certainly believe he has the ability to do that.”
Peterborough’s management consultant Dale Allitt played a major part in getting the deal over the line.
Allitt said: “We know we needed riders and Bjarne has
quality. I believe he can slot in and do a very good job for the Peterborough side.
“Everyone will know what’s expected of them and I’m very confident Bjarne will do his job superbly.
“I have to say he’s one of the most professional riders I have had the pleasure of dealing with and I welcome him to Peterborough.”
• Pedersen began his speedway career in 1990 and won his first title in 1994, a junior pairs competition in his home country.
• He turned professional in 2000 and started his UK career with Newcastle Diamonds.
• Pedersen first competed in a Grand Prix in 2002 as a wildcard.
• He won his only Grand Prix in 2004 in Poland.
• Also in 2004 Pedersen won the Elite League Riders Championship.
• He won the Elite vLeague title with Poole in 2003, 2004 and 2008.
• Pedersen won the World Cup with Denmark in 2006 and 2008.