Theo Pijper: Glasgow Tigers profile

Apr 14 2011

Theo Pijper

THEO PIJPER

Born: February 11, 1980 in Dokkum, Netherlands

Former Clubs : Edinburgh 2002-2007, Wolverhampton 2007, Berwick 2007, Swindon 2008, Mildenhall 2008

ONE of very few Dutchmen to ride in British speedway, Theo is something of an icon across at Edinburgh Monarchs where he first signed in 2002.

The 30-year-old made the move to these shores having began his career as a regular in the World Longtrack championships and he continues to compete on both levels.

The highlight of a five-year stint at Edinburgh came in 2003 when Pijper played a key role in the Monarchs lifting the Premier League title - notching 277 points as an ever-present in the Armadale line-up.

A year later he was crowned European Grasstrack Champion - a feat he repeated in 2007 - and in 2005 Pijper was named captain of Edinburgh as he became a firm favourite with the Monarchs' fans.

As his stock grew in his adopted homeland, Pijper sought a place at the top table and won a move to the Elite league in 2007 with Wolverhampton.

But his stay in the Midlands was to be short as Pijper was harshly released after just 17 meetings and subsequently returned to Edinburgh before moving to Berwick Bandits.

Swindon Robins offered Pijper a return to the Elite League and the chance to prove his point to Wolves in 2008. But a horror crash against Poole ruined his campaign as he suffered a fractured shoulder and dislocated thumb and spent the rest of the season scrambling for positions after being released by the Robins.

Pijper has, since then, concentrated on the Grasstrack and Longtrack championships across Europe but was offered a route back into British speedway after convincing Glasgow boss Stewart Dickson of his desire to succeed during the winter break.

The Dutchman is married to Carrie with two sons, Ace and Stene, and includes playing golf among his many past times.

2011 starting average: 4.90