Hans Nielsen

Who is Hans Nielsen?

Hans Hollen Nielsen - a prominent speedway rider active from the 1970s to the late 1990s; a former World Champion.

Nielsen was one of the most successful riders the sport has ever seen. Altogether he participated in winning 22 World Championships for Denmark. This included the individual World Championship in 1986, 1987, 1989 and the first ever championship ran in the Grand Prix format in 1995. He still holds the record for the most FIM Gold Medals in Speedway.

He was known as "The Main Dane" to fans but referred to as "The Professor" by his fellow riders due to his immaculate style and ability to ride speedway.

Nielsen rode in the British League for the Oxford Cheetahs from 1984 to 1992. In 1986 he recorded a league average of 11.83, his average in away league matches that season was a perfect 12.00.

He retired still capable of beating the best and many feel he was the greatest rider of all time.

After retiring, he never stayed in the sport and returned to Denmark where he continued his good golf game in his spare time.