PETER Kildemand believes the pressure is on him to produce as he prepares for his second season of Elite League racing.

The Danish reserve impressed under Robins boss Alun Rossiter at Coventry last season, before his season was ended in July by a nerve injury in his shoulder suffered during a Grand Prix qualifier in Lonigo, Italy.

The 22-year-old has been reunited with Rossiter at Blunsdon this season, and is convinced he is able to cope with the expectation he has placed on his own shoulders, and force his way into the main body of the team.

“I had a few injuries last year so I am just waiting to get going again because it has been a long winter for me,” he said.

“I have built three new bikes for this season and I am feeling good.

“The Elite League is hard, but I think when I came into it last year there was no pressure on me, and I was able to relax on the bike.

“I think there is pressure on me to perform this time because I did OK then, but I like pressure and it is good for me.

“I think I did a good job at Coventry so I want to do the same here. My main goal is to remain injury-free, but I also want to up my average and make it into the main team.”

Kildemand is pleased to be working with Rossiter again, and is confident the new-look Robins will enjoy a good season.

“I was with Alun at Coventry last year and I enjoyed working with him because he is a good man, and when he moved here he gave me a ring to see if I wanted to come too,” added Kildemand.

“I said ‘yes’ because I think he is a one-off guy.

“He is really different to some of the other team managers you get so that is good.

“I have practised on the track here and it is good for me.

“I need to improve my starts because I am not the best gater in the world, but I will always give my best and impress the fans.

“We have a good team and I have raced with a few of the guys before in Europe, so I am sure that will help us.”