HANS Andersen has denied that there is any rift between him and big-name signing Nicki Pedersen as Peterborough open their season tomorrow night (Thursday).
Andersen takes over as the Panthers’ new skipper and will partner the controversial three-times world number one in the squad that travels to Ipswich for the first Premiership clash of the season.
He finally broke his silence over his relationship with long-time track rival Pedersen, as they become British team-mates for the first time.
They both rode for the Panthers in 2011 – but Andersen only came into the side for the last four meetings, taking Pedersen’s team spot after he was sacked!
Andersen, 42, claimed: “That’s the result of the fans and the media saying and writing things, when we have been put up against each other.
“We have not had a major bust-up, you have a bust-up with everyone in the heat of the night, but it is forgotten.
“I have known Nicki since I was a kid, he’s a little bit older but we raced together in 80cc in Denmark.
“We don’t live far from each other, we went out socially in the past, obviously in later years both of us have had families and other things to do but we have talked and speak to each other on the phone and give each other credit.
“Normally they say the older you get the softer you get. We have still got a temper but both of us just want the best for each other and the team.”
Boss Rob Lyon has paired them in the opening race at Foxhall Heath and they will ride together in three races.
Andersen added: “I don’t mind, I will ride with everyone. It’s more about the team than us. It’s important for the team that we can produce the goods.
“For many years I have been captain of teams because it seems natural to me, I’ve never been a rider who sticks to his own pits bay, I have always been up and down with the rest of the team.
“I like racing and especially winning meetings. For me it is always more important to win meetings and I am always happy to drop a few points and see the team win.”
Lyon added: “I didn’t have any hesitation putting Nicki and Hans together – that is the natural thing to do. They both have the experience to give us the good start you always want.”
Words by Holeshot Media.
Image by Jeff Davies.