BJARNE EXCITED FOR CRUMP REUNION

Danish star Bjarne Pedersen admits he can’t wait to end his UK career by teaming up with triple world champion Jason Crump at Plymouth.

The pair were unveiled as the SGB Championship newcomers’ shock top two for 2021 – 14 years after they served as Poole Pirates’ stellar spearhead in the old Elite League.

Pedersen will also line up for Peterborough in the SGB Premiership, as well as competing for Esbjerg in his homeland.

While the former FIM Speedway Grand Prix star admits he will need some time to adapt to the Championship tracks, having not raced in Britain’s second tier since 2003, he can’t wait to face the challenge alongside Crump.

He said: “When Plymouth told me they were very close to having a deal done with Jason Crump, I was very excited about this, especially as 2021 will be my last season in the sport – 100 percent. To sign off with Jason is great.

“It’s a great challenge for both of us to go around these Championship tracks. It’s so many years since I have raced on many of them and it’s the same for Jason. I think we will have some work to do, but we’re looking forward to it.

“I spoke to Jason over the phone and we are both excited about this challenge. We know it’s not going to be easy at some of the away meetings because the home riders are always very well dialled in. We haven’t been to some of the places for more than 10 years.”

Pedersen admits the chance to double up makes his return to the UK for the first time since 2016 even more worthwhile, although he initially feared the chance had passed him by.

He said: “I am excited to be back in Britain – not only at Plymouth, but also at Peterborough. To be fair, I have always said I wouldn’t rule out a return to the UK. But over the years I have been racing in Britain, we have always agreed the contract in November or at the latest December.

“When I was sitting there in February without a team, I didn’t think it would happen because I thought all the teams were full. But then I got a call from Matt Ford at Poole and he said there were still a few places over there. Luckily enough my average fitted in at both Peterborough and Plymouth.

“The most important thing was getting a place in both leagues. I knew that would fit me perfectly because there’s a lot of setup involved in moving over there to just do one league. When I knew there was a chance at both Plymouth and Peterborough, we were keen to jump on it.

“So far, I haven’t got a Polish contract. This is also why it was quite good to get some more meetings in Britain. For the moment, I only have Denmark and Britain, and it fits in quite well for me.”