IVERSEN BACK IN PANTHERS COLOURS AFTER 13-YEAR ABSENCE

Seven-time Danish champion Niels-Kristian Iversen will be back in Peterborough colours for the first time since 2010 this year.

The former world No.3 was due to return for the 2020 season, only for the SGB Premiership campaign to be cancelled due to the pandemic.

Iversen moved to Panthers’ neighbours King’s Lynn in 2011 and had raced for them on and off ever since, aside from a stint with Ipswich in 2019 and seasons away from the UK in 2017, 2020 and 2021.

He was forced out of the Stars side halfway through 2022 due to Polish rules limiting First Division riders to racing in just two other leagues, which have now been relaxed.

Panthers co-promoter Carl Johnson is delighted to have recruited a “proven” performer in Britain’s top flight. He said: “Niels is a proven heat-leader and a proven No.1 in the Premiership, and he has been one of the best in the world throughout his career.

“It’s fantastic that we can make a signing like him and bring him back to the club, especially after he never got to ride for us in 2020.

“He’s certainly going to be a crowd favourite again, and I think looking at his form from last season, he was the outstanding man at King’s Lynn until he had to leave, and that’s when they disappeared down the table.

“We’ve brought in someone who is proven and who we know can go out and score double figures anywhere, and hopefully everywhere.

“He loves the Showground, it’s one of his favourite tracks, and it puts another great rider into the line-up. I think what we’ve got so far is a superb starting point.”

Iversen is joined at the East of England Showground by fellow countryman Benjamin Basso, plus Aussie racer Ben Cook and Rising Star signing Jordan Jenkins.

Photo: Taylor Lanning