Peterborough Panthers sign a special number one rider for a special season

The city club this morning (February 20) announced the signing of top Danish star Niels Kristian Iversen to lead their SGB Premiership challenge in 2020.

The Yaxley-based ace was a member of Panthers’ last title-winning team of 2006 when they unforgettably snatched the Elite League crown in a last-heat Grand Final decider against Reading.

Now, the 37 year-old GP star returns for their 50th anniversary campaign with high hopes of enjoying more glory at the East of England Arena.

“I’m really pleased to be back at Peterborough,” said Iversen. “I’ve lived in the area for the last 10 years so it has worked out well for me.

“I have great memories of my time riding for Panthers in the past. I don’t think anyone will ever forget that incredible title win in 2006, but it’s a long time ago now!

“The club has built a good team and we definitely have a chance of being successful if we can all find our best form.

“We have a lot of fixtures early in the season so it’s important we all hit the ground running.

“Riding in England means I’m going to be very busy, but I’m ready for it and hoping I can be successful.”

Iversen raced for Panthers in four previous seasons – 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010 – before going on to spend seven years at King’s Lynn.

He sat out British racing last season until joining Grand Final runners-up Ipswich late in the campaign.

Iversen has now been tempted back on a permanent basis even though he has a hectic schedule with regular racing in Poland, Sweden and Denmark in addition to the World Championship.

Iversen is a five-time Grand Prix winner and has helped Denmark to World Cup glory on four occasions.

Panthers bosses are also understood to have held talks with Australian legend Jason Crump about their number one role after he came out of retirement.

But the three-time world champion, who is back in the saddle at the age of 44, has signed for SGB Premiership rivals Ipswich.

The arrival of Iversen – to join Rohan Tungate, Chris Harris, Hans Andersen, Michael Palm Toft and Bradley Wilson-Dean – means Panthers now have only one remaining reserve space to fill in their 2020 septet.

Another 2006 title-winner and former club captain, Ulrich Ostergaard, has been strongly linked with a return.

after impressing in a short stint at the end of last term.

But club chiefs have also made no secret of the fact they need to build their asset base so could opt to draft in a British speedway newcomer from overseas.

Panthers kick off their season with a 50th anniversary individual meeting on Sunday, March 15 at Alwalton.

Their first team outing is a few days later when they host King’s Lynn in the SGB Premiership Supporters’ Cup on Thursday, March 19.