Pirates: Pedersen links up with old coach (From Bournemouth Echo)

Pirates: Pedersen links up with old coach

7:00am Wednesday 20th January 2010 in

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BJARNE Pedersen has taken a backward step in a bold bid to move forward and regain his Grand Prix status.

The Pirates star has turned to his former coach Anders Secher to revive his World Championship ambitions.

Secher, a major in the Danish defence forces, was Pedersen’s coach when he achieved a career-best sixth-placed finish in the GP series in 2005.

Pedersen has never reached the same heights since and slipped out of the GP at the end of the 2008 campaign when he finished 11th and failed to re-qualify.

The Danish rider, who is aiming to reach the 2011 GP series through this year’s qualifiers, said: “I’m very much looking forward to working with Anders again.

“He knows me better than most and has been of great importance to my personal and professional development.

“I trust Anders can help me achieve optimal results in the remaining five to six years of my speedway career.”

Secher, a human resources graduate who teaches management level development and education at university, has also coached current GP rider Kenneth Bjerre, and the Danish national youth team.

He said: “One of my assignments is to develop and strengthen the existing team around Bjarne, enabling him to focus on his performances on the track.”

Pedersen, who has made 58 GP appearances, triumphing once at Wroclaw in 2004, will also be aiming to turn his Pirates form around this year following a shaky 2009 campaign which saw his average drop by more than one point.

He will take part in Poole Castle Cover’s press and practice day on Monday, March 22.

Pirates chief Matt Ford said: “Season ticket holders only will be admitted to the day time practice and press presentation, but, unfortunately, there won’t be an evening practice session this year.

“Some riders have commitments on the Tuesday and need to get away early, so we need to get practice wrapped up as quickly as possible.

“So there won’t be an evening practice on March 22.”