FORMER Pirates stalwart Bjarne Pedersen is in line for a quick return to Wimborne Road.

The popular Dane has been loaned to Eastbourne next year after spending nine consecutive seasons racing in a skull and crossbones race jacket.

But he could be back riding at the Dorset track as early as March spearheading the opposition in Poole Castle Cover’s opening home fixture of 2011.

And that’s a prospect Pirates number one Chris Holder is relishing as much as his former team-mate.

Poole chief Matt Ford said: “We’re looking at staging home and away challenge matches against Eastbourne to start our season. We’re in talks with Bob Dugard for us to go to Arlington on March 20 and for them to visit Poole on March 23.

“That would mean a quick return for Bjarne, which I feel our fans would appreciate.

“He’s been a great servant to our club and is still our asset, but it would be nice if our supporters can get an early opportunity to pay tribute to him for what he has done for our club.”

Holder said: “It’ll be funny riding against Bjarne when he’s wearing different colours.

“I’m more used to riding with him in heats 13 and 15, so it’ll be strange.

“I certainly won’t be looking for him, like I was in the last heat of the cup final against Eastbourne in our final meeting of last season.

“But I’m sure he’ll receive a great reception from Poole’s fans and I know he’ll provide tough opposition for me and rest of the Pirates.”

Ford, meanwhile, has compared Holder and Darcy Ward, both back with Poole next year after helping them to cup glory in 2010, to American world champions Billy Hamill and Greg Hancock.

They’re great friends who went on to become Grand Prix title rivals, and Ford thinks the same will happen with Aussie duo Holder and Ward.

Ford said: “I see next season being the ‘Holder and Ward Show’ at Poole.

“Much the same as it was with the Team Exide combination of Greg and Billy at a couple of tracks in the nineties.

“Two great friends for many years off-track, but at certain points in their careers challenging each other for the ultimate crown on it.

“I can see that starting with Chris and Darcy. Maybe in a couple of years Darcy will pressure Chris in the GP.

“It’ll be friendly rivalry with a cutting edge.”