​Basso backing new-look Peterborough Panthers to challenge for Premiership honours

​The Danish youngster was a shining light in a largely troubled campaign which saw the team get off to a dismal start and then be struck down by an injury crisis just as they appeared to be turning to the corner.

But Basso’s spectacular performances and riding style put him at the top of the list for retention this year, especially after Premiership newcomers Leicester moved in for Chris Harris, Panthers’ other consistent high scorer last year.

Basso said: “I’m definitely excited to be back with Peterborough. This is the place I want to be in the top league and I’m happy to be back.

“We have a strong team this year, almost a brand-new team, and I believe that we can go all the way.

“Personally I really haven’t put any targets on this year. Obviously everyone wants to be the number one. It will be hard to take it off Nicki (Pedersen), but I will do my best!

“I believe that I will have a good season. I’ve just been practicing in Poland and it went very well. I felt comfortable on the bike and I’ve been working hard all winter, so I’m up for it.”

Basso is one of four Danes in the Peterborough ranks this year, as he joins up with new signings Pedersen and Niels-Kristian Iversen and returning stalwart Hans Andersen.

And the presence of the former three-time World Champion Pedersen is of particular interest to Basso, especially as the Panthers’ number one has also taken over as national team boss this season.

Basso added: “I’s my second season now so I know a lot of the tracks and the set-ups, but I’m sure the other guys will help me out.

“Nicki will have his own ideas and he’s pretty clever, as I’ve seen so far. It’s great to have him on the team, and I think he’ll be able to teach me a lot of things, and show me new things that I should try and do on the track.

“The first thing I told Nicki was that I’ll have to show him how to ride around Peterborough, but we’ll have to see about that!

“It’s a shame practice wasn’t on (on Monday because of heavy rain), but I know Nicki is fast, I know what he’s capable of, and I think he’ll figure it out.”