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Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128121
World Superbike Championship Round 1 1 : Oschersleben, German man, was a disappointing 10th (seventh in race one) after making poor starts and getting boxed in around the tight and twisty circuit. Admitting that his riding just wasn't up to it this particular weekend, the Englishman will be looking forward to Assen, a track which suits his style well, to restart his push to finish top four. "I just made a bad start in race two and that was that," was his candid summation. "I had the same tiregrip problems for the second half of the race as everyone else did. It has been a disappointing day because we came to Oschersleben with great expectations. I must admit that it wasn't my day and even though I tried my hardest, I wasn't riding to my full potential. Next weekend's another round and another chance of getting back on top. I'm happy that I've moved closer to Troy [Corser] in the championship and hopefully 1 can keep going in that direction." Former World Champion Troy Corser was in pain throughout race day, suffering from the effects of a big crash on Saturday morning, and battling against what he saw as poor tire grip and a lack of forward traction. "I was up against a whole series of problems and 1 just paid the price," said Corser, in pain from his fall. "Yesterday's crash meant I was hurting but I can put up with the pain it's part of my job - but I didn't have the strength I needed when I needed to pull the bike back up when I changed direction. Two tough races real tough." Partly because he was forced to battle against James Toseland in race PIer-Francesco ChHI (41 tu..... with Laconl (551 and the factory KawasaJds rlclclen by Gregorlo Lavilia and Aldra Vanagawa In race two. two, as the 20-year-old showed little respect for reputations. Twelfth place is hardly the stuff of dreams, but it was a good result for one so young against even a World Champion. "I was trying to fend off Corser, but he had really good grip and 1just couldn't stay in front," Toseland said. "The best thing was that 1 finished so close to Neil... that was the best feeling!" Best privateers proved to be Panavto Yamaha rider Juan Borja, 13th in race one, and Steve Martin on the DFX Ducati, 14th in race two. Significantly, the championship did swing somewhat in Germany, but none of the riders on show had a perfect weekend. The two who had the best, Edwards and Xaus, may be at opposite ends of the experience spectrum, but they demonstrated hat they rode best of all and both used their rubber well. Churlish though it 10 _ SEPTEMBER 12, 2001 • cue • n __ s may sound, Xaus used his head and his talent for once and got two great results as an instant reward. In the overall championship race, Bayliss is still in the driving seat, but tellingly now 'only' one DNF and one race win for Edwards away from losing it. Bostrom, 43 points adrift of the number one spot, could still do it - if he is very, very lucky. As for the rest? Well there may well be some saddle swapping going on in the close season, but as Bostrom said, "It had to be getting towards the end of the season, because everyone was riding so well and pushing so hard." Shame it took so long to light the fires under some butts. Assen approaches - fast - and thankfully so are some new names at the sharp end of the podium fight. Edwards may have had the upper hand In race one, but race two belonged to Ruben )(aus, as the World $uperblke rookie won for the first time In his young career, becoming the first Spaniard ever to win a World Superbike race. RACE ONE Edwards took the holeshot from fourth on the grid, while polesitter Hodgson suffered from a poor start and was also baulked going into the first left-hander, dropping him down to 10th. Edwards then led from Yanagawa, Corser, Xaus, Laconi, Bayliss, a slow-starting Bostrom, Tosela'nd, Okada and Hodgson. On the very first lap, the combination of a packed grid and the tight and twisty circuit led to Pacific Ducati's Marty Craggill crashing out after tangling with one of the Bertocchi Kawasakis, which managed to get back on to the track. Robert Ulm was also a faJJer on the first lap. At the end of lap one, Edwards lead from Yanagawa, Corser, Xaus, Laconi, Bayliss, Bostrom, Toseland and Okada. Okada managed to get past Toseland, with the 20-year-old also succumbing to his teammate shortly thereafter. At the front, Edwards slowly pulled away from the pack on the second lap, but Xaus started to carve his way through the field from then on. Xaus, in fourth, started to pressure the Aprilia of Corser into the second chicane before finally slipping by the Australian into third place, slipstreaming the Aprilia down the back straight. He was then right on the tail of Yanagawa, who looked to be holding up the chasing pack, allowing