Former Workington Comets rider Ulrich Ostergaard has announced his retirement after a UK career covering two decades.
The 41-year-old Dane began his career in 2003 with Eastbourne and rode for the Comets in 2007, signing for Workington after an injury to number one Carl Stonehewer.
Ostergaard won both team and individual honours whilst in the colours of Peterborough, including top-flight titles in 2006 and 2021.
He rode for the Panthers and Championship side Glasgow this year, but his campaign ended with a broken hand in early August.
Ostergaard said: “I’ve been thinking a lot in the last few weeks about my future, and my speedway racing, and I have decided to call it a day.
“It’s a massive decision as speedway has been my life since I was 11 years old, and as a pro in the UK since 2003.
“My injuries, especially my crash last season breaking three bones in my back, and my hand injury this season as well, have made me think that it’s better to stop now than risk something even worse.
“I have done, and won, a lot more than I thought I would, and I have been living my childhood dream out, and would never change a thing about my whole career which has given me so many happy memories I will never forget.”
Former Workington manager Tony Jackson paid tribute to Ostergaard’s long career in the UK.
“If I am honest, the announcement that Ulrich made is not a total surprise, as he had a serious injury last year when he was arguably riding better than he had for a few years and then, having picked up a season ending injury this year it has no doubt given him time to reflect on things.
“But, he has had a long and successful career, riding for several clubs; although for myself and all Comets fans he is best remembered for when he rode for us in 2007
“He joined us mid-season after Stoney picked up a back injury at Edinburgh and became an instant hit with the fans as his aggressive riding style saw him win many vital points for the Comets. Although, it was that aggressive riding style that saw him pick up a few injuries throughout his career too.
“That was my first season as Comets’ team manager and he was an absolute pleasure to work with, and a great guy to put out in a last heat decider for sure! Until he joined us I didn’t know him at all but we hit it off immediately and have remained friends ever since and still keep in touch.
“He would have loved to return to Workington the following year but the logistics of the situation, which made the half season in 2007 quite difficult for him, ruled it out unfortunately. He was based in Denmark, had two young children and his wife worked too.
“So, being a weekend track and the fact of how far we were from his UK base in Peterborough, plus the flight schedules, all contrived to make it just too difficult for him to do – especially for a full season; which disappointed both him and the club.
“But, nevertheless, in subsequent years, whenever we needed a guest he never hesitated to help us out when I asked him and he never let us down in terms of points or commitment. The sport will be poorer for his retirement but I guess no-one can go on for ever; he was definitely a top guy to deal with.”
