IVERSEN FORCED TO END STARS STAY

Seven-time Danish champion Niels-Kristian Iversen has been forced to cut short his stay with SGB Premiership side King’s Lynn following a request from authorities in Poland.

Iversen was drafted in by the Stars as a late replacement for compatriot Peter Kildemand on the eve of the season.

Riders who compete in the Polish First and Second Divisions are normally only able to compete in two other leagues, with PGE Ekstraliga stars limited to one. But Lodz rider Iversen was given special permission to compete for King’s Lynn alongside Esbjerg in Denmark and Indianerna in Sweden.

It appears this has now been withdrawn and Stars co-promoter Dale Allitt is gutted to be searching for a replacement for the former Speedway GP rider.

He said: “Obviously we’re disappointed with the news and we’re looking at our options, although it has to be said that those are few at the moment.

“It’s a tough one for us, but we do believe and understand that this rule will be changed for next year, which will certainly help British Speedway.

“It has been suggested to us that Niels could potentially return when his Polish fixtures end, which could be towards the end of July.

“We have a facility to use a guest or rider replacement while we assess other options, but those are slim due to the number of riders who are already racing in three leagues at this particular time, or the visa situation which is currently taking six to eight weeks.”

The Polish restrictions also played a role in scuppering Belle Vue’s bid to bring back Great Britain star Dan Bewley earlier this year.

The rule was initially implemented in 2021 to ensure riders’ availability for Polish matches, especially if fixtures had to be rescheduled. But it is hoped riders will be able to choose how many leagues they enter from 2023, with Iversen among those who prefer a busy schedule.

Photo: Taylor Lanning