PETERBOROUGH Speedway has today moved quickly to sign Henning Bager following his release from his recent short term contract with the Belle Vue Aces.The Danish star replaces Ales Dryml in the main body of the team and will make his debut in Mondays match (27th April) against league leaders Coventry.

PETERBOROUGH Speedway has today moved quickly to sign Henning Bager following his release from his recent short term contract with the Belle Vue Aces.

The Danish star replaces Ales Dryml in the main body of the team and will make his debut in Mondays match (27th April) against league leaders Coventry.

Henning, who has ridden 117 matches for the Panthers after first riding for the club in 2002, comes into the side on a GSA of 4.63 and has started off 2009 in sparkling form whilst on a short term deal with the Belle Vue Aces. In his opening 4 official matches he has achieved an average under Green Sheet rules of 5.75 and that placed him third in the Belle Vue averages behind Kasprzak and Gjedde.

It's always been known that Henning loves riding for Peterborough and his scores around the Showground have always been consistent. He rode again for the Panthers in both the 2004 and 2005 seasons and again in 2008 when he arrived in May following several team changes.

Henning, who is a Lakeside asset, is a very good rider on the smaller technical tracks and it is felt that he will improve the Panthers chances of success on the road.

Ales Dryml although generally good value around Alwalton, has already shown this year that his away form is seriously suspect and the Peterborough management have acted promptly to keep the momentum going which has seen the club bounce back to form recently, after a somewhat disappointing start.

Team Manager Trevor Swales said: “Henning Bager was someone we looked at when we were assembling the side over the close season, but averages play a big part in team building these days and especially so this year. When he became available it was clear we could then fit him in and after discussing it between us we decided to make the change at this time. He will certainly add some extra back up to the rest of the team on our travels and is very consistent everywhere”

“It's always hard letting a rider go and it's very unfortunate but Ales's away form was causing us concern, Ales is a nice lad and someone who is very easy to deal with, and if we can get him fixed up elsewhere we will, I wish him all the best”.

Promoter Mick Bratley said: “The availability of Henning Bager was far too good an opportunity to pass up, in what we feel is a chance to potentially improve the side, especially on our travels.

“Obviously to do this there has to be a casualty and Henning will replace Ales Dryml. Whilst Ales' home form has been good, his away form tells a completely different story and to be successful we need to have a team that can pick up points on our travels. We feel that Henning can provide this. It is always disappointing to have to release a rider, but this does send out a clear message to riders signing for this club, in that we will not tolerate consistently poor or lack lustre performances, especially on our travels. We thank Ales for his endeavours, and wish him well”.

Owner Rick Frost said; “I welcome the return of Henning to our team. Henning is a consistent and reliable point's scorer both home and away who will always give 100% for the club and for his team mates.

“It was clear to see our results, particularly away, were far from satisfactory and changes were needed immediately to remedy this for the benefit of the team and the club.

Unfortunately this means there has to be a loser, in this case Ales. I wish Ales all the best for the future and thank him for his efforts during his stay with us.”