KING’S Lynn favourite Niels-Kristian Iversen has been back on track as he steps up preparations for the new season.
Iversen, who has rejoined the Stars this year after spending 2023 with A47 rivals Peterborough, practiced at the Adrian Flux Arena last Saturday ahead of this week’s training camp with his Polish club Gdansk.
It was a good early workout for the Dane, who spent the early part of the winter recovering from an horrific crash in the Farewell to the Showground event at Alwalton last October.
Iversen won the meeting but was unable to take his place on the rostrum as he had tangled with Ryan Douglas when leading the Final, leading to a frightening impact with the back straight fence which was damaged beyond repair on the night.
But the 41-year-old was quick to continue his long association with British Speedway and seal a return to the Stars, where he enjoyed many of his best years in the sport in the mid-2010s.
He said: “It was nice to finally ride. The practice was delayed by an hour because, contrary to the forecast, it rained a bit at night.
“I'm very satisfied. I mainly practiced the starts and the first bend.
“I wanted to get my bones moving because on March 5, after returning from the training camp with Gdansk, I am planning a trip to Lonigo.
“In Italy, tuner Brian Karger traditionally organizes his camp. A lot of riders from Denmark are going there, Nicolai Klindt (former Stars captain) will also be there.
“We'll have the opportunity to test the new engines, and I'll probably spend a few days there.”
Iversen enjoyed plenty of winter down-time including a holiday in Asia taking in visits to Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.
And he has stressed age is no barrier to continued success in the sport, as he continues to pursue an active training regime.
He told SportoweFatky: “I don't feel much difference when I get up in the morning. I feel like a 25-year-old.
“For me, the most important thing is a good night's sleep, and this is the change I have felt as I have aged.
“As for the state of my body, it's just like it was ten years ago. When you take care of yourself at all times, it's easier to achieve this.
“Training is a part of me, I want to be in the best shape possible and I don't want to lose it. I still take care of myself. It's my choice and I feel good about it.”
The Stars are now less than three weeks away from their season opener when they visit Leicester in the Premiership on March 21, with press and practice at the Adrian Flux Arena two nights earlier.
They will also be taking part in the Premiership Media Day at Belle Vue on March 20, with all riders from each of the seven clubs involved.
