SWINDON Robins unearthed an SGB Premiership gem this season.

And it was to no one’s great surprise that Rasmus Jensen scooped the Swindon Advertiser’s prestigious Rider of the Year trophy on Friday night at the club’s end-of-season celebration evening.

The Danish favourite received his trophy in front of hundreds of adoring fans at the Hilton Hotel after he convincingly won the competition’s poll from club captain Jason Doyle and Australian international Troy Batchelor.

Receiving the award proved to be the cherry on top of the 26-year-old’s cake.

From 87 rides, Jensen picked up 171 points – including 38 heat wins.

But team manager Alun Rossiter required just one meeting to understand he had one of the sport’s hot properties at his service.

After all, Jensen’s remarkable 14+1 return against Poole Pirates on debut in May – a meeting that ended 45-45 – ultimately ensured the Robins’ unbeaten record at home this season proved a reality by mid-October.

After receiving his award, Jensen revealed to the Adver that he wants in on Swindon’s attempt to retain the Premiership crown in 2020.

But a final decision will be made once the British Speedway Promoters’ Association’s AGM in Rugby concludes later this month.

“It’s an honour to receive this award,” said Jensen.

“There are some huge names on the shield, and I am delighted to be the latest addition.

“I want to be back at Swindon next season. I’ve had a great year and the people behind the club are great too.

“The track is good and the club is great – it’d be silly not to go back.”

Jensen’s eye-catching performances have landed him a contract in the Polish second tier next season, a league Robins team-mate Batchelor won in September with Rybnik.

His new Polish team is expected to be confirmed in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Rospiggarna (Hallstavik) in Sweden have retained Jensen in their squad for next term, while he will continue to ride for hometown club Holstebro in the Danish league.

Due to riding in four leagues in four different countries, Jensen confirmed he will not race in the SGB Championship next season if plans remain the same – this season he represented Glasgow Tigers who narrowly missed out on the title to Leicester Lions.

Riding at Swindon has proven to be a privilege for the Robins’ latest Rider of the Year, though.

He was complementary of the hard-working voluntary track staff, who scooped the club’s Unsung Hero award on the same evening.

He added: “The track was rough for my first couple of meetings, but after that the Abbey has been one of the best tracks in the country.

“I’m glad I had the opportunity to work with Rosco after speaking for a few years.”