FIM Speedway World Cup: Denmark manager and rider Nicki Pedersen 'proud' at pipping Australia to place in final
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Published 27/07/2023 at 14:19 GMT
Denmark's Nicki Pedersen was delighted with his team's victory in the second FIM Speedway World Cup semi-final. Denmark overcame an Australia fightback and some late controversy to book their place in Saturday's final, an achievement Pedersen believes is just-reward for the team's dedication and spirit. "I would rather be in the final than the race-off – they are nightmares," Pedersen added.
Nicki Pedersen during the parade of Cardiff Legends during the FIM Speedway Grand Prix of Great Britain at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff on Saturday 13th August 2022. (Photo by Ian Charles/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
Rider-manager Nicki Pedersen was delighted that his Denmark team were able to weather a late Australia storm – and some controversial moments – to reach the final of the FIM Speedway World Cup.
Denmark came out on top in an eventful second semi-final in Wroclaw, Poland, pipping Australia by a single point to book their place in Saturday’s final.
There’s never a dull moment with Pedersen – who became the first man to both manage and race for a team at the FIM SWC – and Wednesday’s semi-final was no different.
His team suffered a setback when No. 5 Rasmus Jensen was disqualified from heat 17, prompting Pedersen to phone the referee first on the track phone and then on the mobile of race director Phil Morris.
The incident opened the door for Australia to cut a six-point deficit to one, but Denmark were able to hold out and claim victory.
Pederson expressed his delight at winning the thrilling contest and praised the togetherness and spirit within his team.
“I probably haven’t had that much sleep, but I have been very excited about this for the last couple of months,” he said.
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'By the skin of their teeth' - Denmark reach Speedway World Cup final
“I have worked hard for the boys, especially on the team spirit. Back when me and Hans Andersen were riding together in the Danish team, we were not the best of friends. But we worked very well when we raced together.
“That’s the thing I drummed into these boys. We don’t need to be friends, but we need to achieve things together and have fun together. We are here for a week anyway.
“I am very proud of them. We have really had lots of good fun. There has been some pressure on us, but I really enjoyed it.”
The Danes topped the podium with 42 points, meaning they will meet Great Britain and Poland in the final. Australia, France, Sweden and the Czech Republic will fight for the last spot in the final in Friday’s race-off.
Pedersen wasn’t getting carried away though, and was quick to acknowledge that things could have turned out differently.
“Things could have easily slipped away,” he said. “We know how good Australia is. We said that it was a 50/0 before the meeting. If they got things going, they would have been in the final already. They are a good team.
“Anything can happen. I am pretty sure they are going to make it through the race-off anyway and we are probably going to meet them in the final.
“But I would rather be in the final than the race-off – they are nightmares. In the final, we all know you can win one race and lose the next one, but you can still be battling for the championship. You cannot afford to have third of fourth places in the race-off.”
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'You're looking a little bit stupid' - Pedersen unimpressed with Jensen exclusion
Leo Madsen and Anders Thomsen will be Denmark’s key men in the final, after the duo won 26 points between them from five rides each in the semi.
Danish captain Mikkel Michelsen said: “The boys did so well. Awesome team performance. Anders Thomsen and Leon Madsen carried the team tonight.
Madsen was eager to credit Pedersen for the team’s achievement.
“I feel we have a very good team spirit with Nicki as the coach,” he said. “Everyone is trying to help each other and it feels very good. If we can have the same team spirit an confidence on Saturday, I think we can have a good night.”
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