Ulrich Østergaard
| Born |
19 April 1981 Odense, Denmark |
|---|---|
| Nationality |
 Denmark |
| Current club information | |
| Polish league | Kolejarz Opole |
| Danish league | Brovst |
| Career history | |
| 2003–2005 2004–2005 2006 2007 2007 2008 2009 |
Eastbourne Eagles Isle of Wight Islanders Peterborough Panthers Birmingham Brummies Workington Comets Reading Racers Belle Vue Aces |
| Individual honours | |
| Team honours | |
| 2006 | Elite League Champion |
Ulrich Reinhold Østergaard (born 19 April 1981 in Odense, Denmark)[1] is a Danish speedway rider.
Career
Østergaard initially came to the United Kingdom for a trial with the Trelawny Tigers in 2002 and impressed the management as they offered a contract immediately. However the BSPA did not ratify the deal due to the complex points limit in operation that season. Østergaard was eventually signed by the Eastbourne Eagles to ride in the ill-fated British League Cup during 2003. The 2004 season saw Østergaard gain his first full-time UK ride with the Isle of Wight Islanders, where he stayed for two seasons, doubling up with the Eastbourne Eagles in the Elite League. In 2006 he was signed by the Peterborough Panthers, winning the Elite League title. 2007 saw Østergaard step down a division to ride for the Birmingham Brummies,[2] but after falling out with the management he signed for the Workington Comets.[3][4]
Østergaard signed for the Reading Racers in 2008 for the start of their new season back in the Premier League after a two-year stint in the Elite League. He started the season with an average of 8.27, filling the number three spot on the Racers line up.[5] By the end of the season, he had topped Reading's averages with a 10.33 figure. He was also named 2008 Premier League Rider of the Year by the Speedway Riders Association.[6]
Since the amazing year of 2008, Ostergaard has ridden in both the elite and premier leagues of British speedway. His luck unfortunately ran out upon the sudden resignation of his famed friend and 2008 'mechanic of the year', Ben Hannon. Despite such issues plaguing his mental mind set, the Great Dane continued to ride through the heart ache and anguish. He now rides for the Peterborough Panthers. Rumour has it that in May 2014, Hannon agreed to come back to Ostergaard in September. This, however, is built upon the understanding that Peterborough make it to the Premier League grand final.
References
- ↑ Oakes, P.(2004). British Speedway Who's Who. ISBN 0-948882-81-6
- ↑ "Birmingham swoop for Ostergaard". BBC Sport. 2006-12-11. Retrieved 2008-09-12.
- ↑ "Birmingham opt to axe Ostergaard". BBC Sport. 2007-08-06. Retrieved 2008-09-12.
- ↑ "Ostergaard joins Comets". News and Star. 2007-08-07. Retrieved 2008-09-12.
- ↑ Bamford, Robert (2008). Methanol Press Speedway Yearbook 2008. Methanol Press. ISBN 978-0-9553103-5-5.
- ↑ "2008 SRA Awards Dinner". BSPA. 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-08.
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