HANS Andersen believes he is reaping the benefits of employing a sports psychologist ahead of the European Grand Prix in Leszno tomorrow night.
The Swindon charger has this season enlisted the services of Hertfordshire-based Neil Drew, who formerly worked with Abbey Stadium legend Leigh Adams.
And he reckons it is a partnership that has paid dividends for him on the track.
“I met him at Swindon’s pre-season team bonding session and it’s the first time that I’ve used him,” explained Andersen.
“I’ve had quite a few sessions and it’s nice to talk to someone who’s not on your paysheet or family-related.
“At the start of the season I wanted to get back to the performance level I had in the past and he’s given me some things to think about.
“It’s a good combination and a good working relationship we’ve got. I think it’s working well at the moment.”
The Dane has had very little race action of late due to four Robins rain-offs, but is relishing his return to a Leszno track that he says heavily punishes riders lacking basic speed.
“It’s one of those tracks that you either love or hate,” he said.
“If you love it, you appreciate there are so many racing lines and opportunities to pass.
“But you can hate the place because if you haven’t got any speed in your bikes then it makes it easy for people to pass you.
“I’ve got lots of speed at the moment and I feel comfortable in myself and also in my equipment.”
Meanwhile, Andersen has given his backing to Robins number one Troy Batchelor after the Aussie was again overlooked for a wildcard this weekend.
Batchelor, who has struggled for form in Swindon kevlars in 2012, was not given a spot at the New Zealand Grand Prix and will not race at Polish home club Leszno either.
But Andersen believes that once Batchelor gets back to his best form then he stands a good chance of an appearance at a world championship round.
“I’m not surprised that (Przemyslaw) Pawlicki was given the wildcard as he rides for Leszno and has shown really good form this season,” said Andersen.
“The tend to give the GPs in Poland to the Polish riders, although they let Darcy Ward ride in Gorzow last year.
“Troy just needs to get going and score lots of points, and when the organisers see that they will let him in it for sure.”
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