Pedersen extends his lead

Danish star wins first GP of the year to move clear at the top of the table.

Last updated: 2nd August 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Pedersen extends his lead

Pedersen: Extends lead

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World champion Nicki Pedersen won the Czech Speedway Grand Prix in Prague to extend his lead at the top of the current championship table to 15 points.

The Danish rider started the day ten points clear of second-placed Jason Crump in the standings, and won four heats on the night and then the final to complete a 22-point haul at the Marketa Stadium.

Australian ace Crump bagged 15 points but could only come third in the final, where points are worth double, as he moved on to 87 points overall in the table - with Pedersen out in front on 102.

Pedersen has been in every one of the six GP finals this year, but scored his first win despite only coming second in his semi-final when beaten by Hans Andersen.

American veteran Greg Hancock won Crump's semi-final, but he came up short in the final and finished out of the points.

Danes dominate

Crump could only come third in the big race of the night despite running Andersen close, as the Danes ensured a one-two finish.

"I'm very pleased tonight," Pedersen told Sky Sports after the final. "This is one of my favourite tracks and a nice track to race on.

"I keep reaching the finals and I said to myself that I just don't want to reach the final I want to win it this time.

"The set-up was great all night and it's great to be back on top of the rostrum.

"Being world champion the pressure is on you all the time, but we managed to extend the lead tonight so the plan is working."

Worried

Crump had some good rides but will be a worried man looking at the 15-point gap at the top of the table.

"It was ok," said Crump. "I messed up in the semi-final and got myself last pick in the final.

"Nicki was really quick in the final though and there was not a lot I could do about him.

"I feel like I'm riding pretty good and making some good starts but right now Nicki's making some better ones."

Andersen is in fifth place in the table after bagging 16 points on the night, while Hancock stays in third despite coming last in the final.

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