At a small ceremony, Thursday afternoon, the Erik Gundersen Zone was inaugurated at the Vojens Speedway Center. A tiled path and terrace give the legend a good view, both for large speedway races, but also when he daily trains with the Danish speedway youth.
By Ib Søby
31 years ago, he became world champion in Vojens when, on a rainy Sunday afternoon, he defeated arch rival Hans Nielsen in a bypass. In total, Erik Gundersen won the entire 17 world championships for Denmark, which is also listed on the board marking his exclusive zone. The zone is located on the small slope at the entrance to the course itself at the equestrian center, where riders and officials often gather, to see the individual heats.
- Yes, here I come in good company when racing on the track. It is so cool and I am deeply grateful and happy for this space, said a clearly touched Erik Gundersen when he was introduced to his own zone.
Whether or not the 59-year-old youth country coach has to pay the entrance fee when Vojens picks up a run, Erik Gundersen is not fully aware.
- Hmm. The time they held my farewell, I came down from the sky with a parachute, so who knows, laughed Erik Gundersen and continued: - But with this fine space, I would now like to support both the club and the upcoming events.
It is the gardener Henrik Holmegaard from Middelfart who has created the little Erik Gundersen Zone. Holmegaard's company has for several months been involved in the major renovation of the Vojens Speedway Center.
Landscape gardener Henrik Holmegaard and Erik Gundersen Gundersen together with Lasse Poulsen and Mads Christensen from Holmegaard
- It was now Jacob Olsen who got the idea and asked if it was something we could figure out to do. I got two of my employees - Lasse Poulsen and Mads Christensen - started. It turned out really nice and a fun task.
Henrik Holmegaard has been close to the Danish speedway environment for many years, and often goes hunting with Erik Gundersen and Vojens Company Manager Helge Frimodt Pedersen.