Round Nine of the Speedway Grand Prix Series moved to Denmark for the Nordic Grand Prix. Home favourite Kenneth Bjerre went into the meeting with high hopes of a victory in front of his local fans after strong performances at the Vojens GP in previous seasons.

The Kings Lynn star once again showed his liking for the Vojens track and appeared at ease with three wins, marching straight into the semi-finals.  Expectations were high from the Danish supporters, as well as within the Team Bjerre camp, following his second place finish in 2010 at the Nordic GP. The two previous rounds in Malilla and Terenzano saw Bjerre reach the final and this time he was hoping to go at least one place better.

Jason Crump and Freddie Lindgren were quick to spoil Bjerre’s dream of taking honours in Denmark though. The duo made lightning starts and the Wroclaw rider’s night came to an end, with a total of 13 points for his efforts. The Huntingdon resident was clearly disappointed not to reach the final after such a positive start to the meeting.

“That was my GP to win, I think I deserved it. My bike felt really quick,” said the Esbjerg born rider.

The 27 year old racked up 12 points after his five heat rides, just one point less than eventual winner and SGP championship leader, Greg Hancock. 11 races were won from the outside gate, so on paper the decision appeared easy for the ex Peterborough rider when faced with the first pick for the second semi-final.

“I believe I made the right choice with the gates in my semi-final, gate four had been the best on the night but then it seemed to change with the inside gates working at the very end. I just didn’t make the start when I needed too,” revealed the Lejonen rider.

Bjerre remained philosophical after the meeting and was focusing on his target of qualifying for next year’s 2012 series. The Dane currently has a ten point advantage over his compatriot Nicki Pedersen in eighth place in the standings and with fellow Danish star Bjarne Pedersen already qualifying for the series next season via the GP challenge route, there has been much speculation regarding wildcards for next year.

“The important thing was to keep in the top eight and pick up valuable points. The fans were fantastic tonight. I just wish I could have made it into the final and won it,” admitted Bjerre.

With two rounds to go, Croatia this weekend and the finale to be staged in Gorzow, Poland, Bjerre will be hoping to continue his momentum of double figure scores and aim for his third SGP final of 2011. Gorican wasn’t one of the best GP’s for Danish rider in 2010, picking up just six points, but with improved results for 2011 in the second half of the year, Team Bjerre will be looking to pick up some silverware to secure a place in the inaugural Grand Prix series for next season.

Article by and with permission of Leandra Graves.