Denmark’s 2012 FIM Speedway World Cup winner Mikkel Bech makes a welcome return to the sport after a six-season break.
Bech last raced in 2019, when he announced a shock retirement from the sport. Now 31, he will line up for Slangerup in this season’s Speedwayligaen.
Having initially been offered a role as a commentator by the club, Bech is delighted to be back on track as he teams up with the likes of Speedway GP stars Michael Jepsen Jensen and Patryk Dudek, plus 2012 world champion Chris Holder and local favourite Mikkel Michelsen.
Bech said: “For a long time, I've been walking with the spirit and the desire to return to speedway. It hasn't been a quick decision, but something that has grown slowly. Fortunately, I have a strong support at home, which has said go for it and fully backed my decision to start again – and that means more than you might think.
“Some balls have been thrown in the air along the way, and several of them have been seized. It has opened some doors and created opportunities that ultimately enabled me to make a big wish come true: to get back on the bike and race again.
“Coming to Slangerup is something that has been considered several times throughout my career. Earlier, I didn't feel like this was the right path for me. But the timing and gut feeling is different now. It has become an opportunity that makes a lot of sense – both sporting-wise and personally.
“At the same time, I get the opportunity to ride alongside two great riders (Jepsen Jensen and Michelsen), with whom I share a strong under-21 story. Taking this step makes it extra special and motivating. I’m so excited to get going and give it everything I’ve got.”
Slangerup director Kenni Trasborg commented: “We actually called Mikkel to see if he might be interested in being a commentator for our home races, as he has previously been an announcer for some races and participated in TV2's coverage of the Danish Championship.
“Mikkel said that instead, he was considering starting his career again. After that, we quickly arranged a meeting regarding speedway and what his plans were. Since he seemed adamant about getting started, we have done what we could to make it all optimal for Mikkel.
“We’re pretty sure he has the right attitude to be able to come back and be in good shape, and he looks sharp – almost like when he raced last. When I was team leader in 2018 and 2019, we first talked together because we dreamed of getting Mikkel to Slangerup, so we are excited that it has now succeeded.”