Bjarne Pedersen

Bjarne Aagaard Pedersen (born 12 July 1978) is a former international motorcycle speedway rider who represented Denmark in the Speedway World Cup, winning it on two occasions: in 2006 and 2008.

Career summary Pedersen began his speedway career in 1990. He won his first title in 1994 winning a Danish junior pairs championship with Charlie Gjedde. However, he did not ride as a full-time professional until 2000.

Pedersen began his United Kingdom racing career in with the Newcastle Diamonds in the Premier League. He took part in his first two Speedway Grand Prix events in 2002, both as a wild card. His first full Speedway Grand Prix season came in 2003, but it was not until 2004 when Pedersen won his only Grand Prix to date at the European GP in Wrocław. Also in 2004, he won the Elite League Riders' Championship, held at Wimborne Road on 17 October.

Pedersen admitted at the end of the 2007 season that he had lost enthusiasm for riding in Speedway Grand Prix series until he qualified for the 2008 series in the race off in Vojens.

Pedersen was retained by Poole for the 2008 season over former world champion Jason Crump when it was announced the British Speedway Promoters' Association (BSPA) that the points limit for team building purposes was to be reduced drastically. Poole promoter Matt Ford stated that Pedersen was chosen due to his loyalty to Poole over the previous six seasons. He continued to ride for Poole until the end of the 2010 season when he joined Eastbourne Eagles for the 2011 Elite League speedway season.

On 20 August 2011, Pedersen qualified for the 2012 Speedway Grand Prix as a permanent rider, after finishing runner-up in the GP Challenge. After one season with Birmingham Brummies he returned to Eastbourne for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

Following a few rides for Leicester Lions in 2015, Pedersen rejoined Poole for the 2016 Elite League campaign.

In 2021, Pedersen signed for Peterborough Panthers and Plymouth Gladiators and after winning the league and cup double with Peterborough during the SGB Premiership 2021 season, he announced his retirement.

Speedway Grand Prix results Year Position Points Best Finish Notes 2002 26th 10 12th 2 Wild card rides 2003 14th 51 3rd Finished 3rd in the Norwegian GP 2004 10th 78 Winner Won the European GP 2005 6th 90 2nd Finished 3rd in the Swedish GP, 3rd in the British GP and 2nd in the Czech GP 2006 12th 82 3rd Finished 3rd in the Danish GP 2007 12th 77 5th 2008 11th 69 2nd Missed European and Swedish GPs through injury. Finished 2nd in the Italian GP. 2011 22nd 3 14th 1 Wild card ride 2012 13th 59 6th Pedersen sustained a broken wrist during a Craven Shield meeting for Poole on 2 May 2008. His place at the European Grand Prix and the Swedish Grand Prix were taken by first reserve Lubos Tomicek.