KENNETH Bjerre has set himself a target of being a Grand Prix rider again in 2014 and has also revealed he still has the ambition of being World Champion.

KENNETH Bjerre has set himself a target of being a Grand Prix rider again in 2014 and has also revealed he still has the ambition of being World Champion.

The Readypower Panthers skipper finished eighth in the series in 2009, then seventh in both 2010 and 2011 – and was looking to make a further step up last year - but endured an arduous campaign with mechanical problems and loss of form. This left him well down the overall standings before a broken leg in August finally ended his season.

But the diminutive Dane is now getting regaining confidence and is undergoing an intense training and fitness programme before the new season starts next month.

Missing the final four rounds because of injury he inevitably failed to qualify for this year’s World Championship series, but he has vowed to battle through the qualifiers in 2013 with an eye on reclaiming his place back amongst the world’s elite in 2014.

Bjerre said: “My ultimate goal remains as it has always done and that is to be World Champion one day.

“I know I am good to race against and beat the best in the world and so I will continue to do the Grand Prix qualification rounds this year.

“The initial target is to reach the GP Challenge at Poole in August and show everyone what I am capable of by finishing high enough in the meeting to qualify for an automatic spot in next year’s series.

“Although my main target is to qualify for the GPs again for 2014, I also want to make sure I am back in top form for all my domestic league racing this year. That includes Peterborough, as well as Leszno in Poland and Outrup in Denmark.

“Not being in the GPs may actually help me in some ways as I can use the time instead of flying out to New Zealand for the opening meeting to further build-up my fitness. I’ll also have more quality time to myself to relax and to spend with my family and friends. I can also dedicate myself more to the gym and I will ultimately enjoy my league racing even more.

“The gym work is so important but doing it every day is something I enjoy. I’m totally focussed on making my leg as strong as possible. I am also running a lot and making sure I have a healthy diet so that I am in great shape overall ready for the start of the season.

“We have a three-day practice session at King’s Lynn with Team Denmark all booked up for early March – and that will help enormously. It has been a long winter for me so it’ll be great to finally get back on a bike again – I have missed it so much.

“Then a couple of weeks after that the British season starts with Peterborough and I can’t wait for the first meeting. I love racing at the Showground and it’ll be great to meet up with everyone once more.

“The Panthers bosses have put together a good team and I’m so pleased to be a part of it again. This will be my seventh season at the club and it just feels like home to me. I live close by, and I couldn’t imagine riding for anyone else. I think the fans are great and I also have a great relationship with the promotion.

“As far as our chances go this year it’s important we pick up more points away from home - that will be the key to reaching the play-offs.

“We will, however, be up against some quality teams and I think Poole, King’s Lynn and Swindon all look good. We don’t fear anything though and I genuinely believe Peterborough can challenge for honours this year. Overall I hope we have some fun and ultimately enjoy a successful year.”