THREE-time world champion Nicki Pedersen has been confirmed as the star attraction for the season-opening Bob Kilby Memorial Meeting at Blunsdon.

The Dane claimed the world crown in 2003, 2007 and 2008, and is also a previous winner of the Kilby meeting having triumphed in 2010 ahead of Freddie Lindgren, Jason Crump and Krzysztof Kasprzak.

The 35-year-old joins Troy Batchelor in the field for the meeting on March 14, and Swindon Robins co-promoter Gary Patchett is delighted to have been able to attract a rider of Pedersen’s quality back to Britain.

“It’s a shame Nicki isn’t able to ride in this country more than he does, but he has been loyal to this event ever since we had our 60th anniversary meeting,” he said.

“He is a great rider to watch and there is not a speedway meeting lacking on drama when he competes, and that is what spectators want.

“Every race is there to be won for Nicki, and I don’t think he really does testing, he just does winning.”

Patchett also believes the meeting will play a vital part in the Dane’s build-up to the 2013 GP season.

“Every Grand Prix rider approaches their pre-season preparation differently, and for Nicki it is all about competitive racing,” he said.

“Tomasz Gollob is happy to turn up for the first Grand Prix in Auckland on the back of some solo training and gym work, but Nicki has proved what he does works for him.

“It’s a pity there will be a couple of the Aussie riders, like Chris (Holder) and Darcy (Ward) won’t be able to be there, because they won’t be back before the first Grand Prix.

“We are sure the field will be very competitive, and will also have a lot of Swindon interest with riders from years gone by and present all being involved.”

Further riders are expected to be announced in the coming days.