THREE-TIMES World Champion Nicki Pedersen is the first big name to be unveiled for Peterborough's 40th Anniversary opener.The Danish star, who will be attempting to regain his world title this summer, will head an all-star cast list.

THREE-TIMES World Champion Nicki Pedersen is the first big name to be unveiled for Peterborough's 40th Anniversary opener.

The Danish star, who will be attempting to regain his world title this summer, will head an all-star cast list.

He has agreed to race in the 40th Anniversary Challenge at the East of England Showground on Monday, March 15.

He will lead the opposition as the new-look Readypower Panthers take to the track for the first time.

Pedersen is one of a handful of big talents who will provide opening night opposition - and the sternest possible task for the Class of 2010!

Panthers fans are also likely to get their first glimpse of two of the world's most exciting young talents as the names of the opposing seven will be released over the next couple of weeks.

Pedersen, 32, has long links with the Panthers even though he has never actually ridden for the club.

His elder brother Ronni spent five! seasons at the Showground and Nicki had his first British rides there while he was still in his teens before joining Premier League Newcastle.

He suffered an injury-hit campaign last year and failed in his bid to win a third world title in a row but hit top form in the final weeks of the campaign.

He was on the rostrum in each of last three Grands Prix, including victory in the final round in Poland.

He's joint favourite for this year's title alongside defending World Champion Jason Crump and will prepare for his challenge against the Panthers.

He was World Champion in 2003, 2007 and 2008.