DANISH youngster Bjarne Pedersen was today named as Pirates' first confirmed starter for the 2002 season.

The 23-year-old rider has just spearheaded Newcastle to the Premier League title with an impressive average of 10.25.

And after two years with the Diamonds he has decided to step up into the top flight where he will ride off a converted figure of 5.13.

Pedersen joins Poole on a year's loan and will remain a Newcastle asset. He will come into the Pirates line up at either number two or four.

The Dane is highly rated in his own country and has also gained valuable experience riding for Kaparna in the Swedish Elite League.

Poole have to make changes to the side that has just finished runners-up in the Sky Sports Elite League because of a probable 45-point team limit.

Their team average at the end of last season was about six points over that figure.

Tony Rickardsson has made it clear he wants to return to Poole next year and if he does then Pirates would still be after five more riders.

Speaking about Pedersen's signature, Poole co-promoter Matt Ford said: "We tried to sign Bjarne two years ago in the second season Mike Golding and I took over at the club.

"But he considered it was better to have a year or two in the Premier League, although he has been riding regularly against the world's best in Sweden with Kaparna.

"So he does ride week in, week out against Grand Prix stars and will come into our side at either number two or four.

"Only Carl Stonehewer had a better average in the Premier League this season so Bjarne believes it is now the right time to step up to the top flight.

"We wanted to sign him permanently but Newcastle want to keep hold of him as their asset because they have their own aspirations of eventually coming into the Elite League.

"We have seen him at Poole this but we haven't seen the best of him yet.

"Bjarne rode in Mark Loram's World Select a few weeks ago and scored five paid seven from the most difficult position in the team, number two, because I wanted to see him against some of the Poole riders on our track.

"We had always intended to bring him into the team when it was his decision to come into the Elite League and I believe he is a very good signing for the club.

"We want him to put a point and a half on his average and go up to about 6.50, although Danish assistant team manager Jacob Olsen believes he can finish next year with an eight point average.

"He is undoubtedly a very talented rider.

He added: "We just need to get him to find the best way round the Poole track as many other riders have already done and I believe he can do that in a short space of time."

Pedersen's two-year stint with Newcastle saw him score 990 points in only 78 Premier League, Trophy, KnockOut Cup and Young Shield matches for a CMA of 9.95.