World Superbike Championships — Sykes Crowned World Champion in Jerez

Nathan Alder,

Correspondent (Sport)

 

Britain’s Tom Sykes has been crowned World Superbike champion after finishing third in the opening race of the weekend in Jerez. Sykes, who missed out on the title last year by just half a point, deservedly took that extra step this year after a fantastic season, which has seen the Brit take a total of eight pole positions and nine race victories. Sykes achievement also gave Kawasaki its first Superbike trophy in over 20 years.

The Yorkshireman finished four seconds off the leaders but knowing that all he had to do for victory was to stay on his bike and get round in third meant that he never had to push too hard, displaying the same solid, consistent riding that he has done all season long was enough for the title. On his title triumph, Sykes said, “I’m absolutely over the moon, so emotional.” The rider, who is the fourth British man to win the title, added: “I was shedding a few tears on the slowing down lap, I was shaking.”

The race itself was a close battle between the top two, with pole sitter Eugene Laverty racing for Asprilla just edging out his much more experienced competitor GoldBet BMW’s Marco Melandri. Laverty led from the start maintaining a good race pace and consistency through the corners. However on the penultimate lap, the Irishmen ran wide allowing Melandri to slip into the lead. But the Asprillas superior pace allowed Laverty to regain the lead with a neat pass on the very final turn to snatch the victory.

Laverty finishing in first place meant that his team mate Sylvain Guintoli’s fourth place finish was enough to secure Asprilla the manufacturers’ title after an impressively consistent season from the team. The second race also showed Asprilla’s and Laverty’s great speed and future potential as the Northern Irishmen completed a race weekend double. Sticking on the tale of man of the moment Sykes, Laverty stayed patient and waited for his opportunity to pass. With eight laps remaining, he made his decisive play and passed the newly crowned champion, pulling away to take his ninth race victory of the year and solidifying his runner-up spot in the championship standings.

Despite Laverty’s brilliance, this weekend still remains all about Tom Sykes, who has been finally crowned champion after a stellar season for himself and Kawasaki.

Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons (Jared Earle)