Peterborough Panthers legend is back at the Showground

Andersen, a firm favourite with Showground regulars, has confirmed to club bosses he is committed to British racing despite new Polish League rules restricting the amount of leagues riders can appear in.

He was back on a bike at the weekend for the first time since last summer and is raring to go.

Andersen said: “I can’t wait. After what happened last year with the leagues being cancelled I’m really looking forward to it.

“I have been in Vojens in Denmark for some private practice and it went very well. We followed all the necessary rules and there were no problems.

“I can’t begin to tell you what a thrill it was to get the helmet and goggles on and drop the clutch.

“Everything in the world was normal again from the time I was on the bike.

“It’s made me hungrier than ever before to go racing, I can’t wait to get back to Peterborough, a track I love, a club I love and a place where I have so many friends.”

Andersen insists he will breathe a sigh of relief when he gets to the Showground for the opening meeting after turning round to go back to Denmark on the ferry last year as the pandemic took a grip.

“I’m looking forward to getting back there because I didn’t even make press day last year,” Andersen added.

“Denmark were shutting their borders and I was on the ferry over with my bikes.

“I left my bikes in England, turned round and got back on the ferry to Denmark and I haven’t been back since.

“I can’t wait to return. I think I was in England for about five hours in total.

“And I never had one flight all year which is crazy to look back on and think about.”

Panthers boss Rob Lyon is pleased with the signing of Andersen who would have been a member of an experienced city side in 2020.

Lyon said: “I’m delighted to welcome Hans back for the 2021 season. Everyone knows what a legend he is with Peterborough fans.

“He’s still a class act and I believe he can be a big scorer in this league.

“I expect him to play a major role for us in what I feel can be a successful season.

“I’m pleased we have managed to secure him for the season and he will work well alongside Chris Harris, Bjarne Pedersen and Michael Palm Toft.

“And it’s a great opportunity for young Jordan Palin to learn from a rider who has done almost everything in the sport.”

Andersen has had three previous spells at Panthers, in 2003, between 2006-08 and between 2016-17.

The 40 year-old has won four prestigious GPs from 53 starts and twice skippered Denmark to World Team Cup success.

He is also a former Danish champion.

Andersen was the star man when Panthers claimed the Elite League title in thrilling fashion in 2006.