Nicki Pedersen has been starting in Speedway European Championships series since the beginning of its existence. For these two years he won two medals: silver (2013) and bronze (2014) although it seemed that both in the first and the second season of championship he was able to win European Champion title. However he missed something each time.
Last year Pedersen had a few points of advantage over his opponents before the last round of SEC in Rzeszów. Additionally he was a representative of Stal Rzeszów in Polish league and it was supposed to be his advantage. Then Martin Vaculik had a great day, he won all his heats and unexpectedly he was ahead of Dane at the very last moment of the championship.
This year’s series started great for triple World Champion. Pedersen won in Gustrow, Germany where everything went according to his plan. He had no problems in regular phase of the tournament and he triumphed in a great style with the applause from the fans.
In Russia he was also the best although it has to be admitted that he was quite lucky then. For the first time he started really bad in the final heat of the tournament in Togliatti and everybody thought that he wouldn’t be able to win but finally the heat was re – run. Then, as it was in the past, “Power” had a great start and won with no problems. Everybody were wondering if there was somebody to stop Pedersen.
Another tournament took place in Denmark, at a Pedersen’s home track, Moldow Arena. The expectations of Danish fans were really huge but rain changed the surface and the favorite of hosts wasn’t feel well because of that. Only six points caused that last year European vice – champ deprived himself the chance to win the gold medal.
Last event in Częstochowa was quite successful for the rider from Denmark but despite the third place which he took in the tournament, he didn’t manage to improve his place in general classification and finally stood on the third step of the podium with bronze medal on his neck.
