Bayliss wins at Assen and Carlos Checa finishes second

The first race of the World Superbike Championship at the Assen circuit has produced a clear winner, as Troy Bayliss dominated almost the entire race, especially after the crash involving Kagayama.

The Australian Bayliss made a great start that put him in first place, although it was not easy to hold that position, because Kagayama gave him plenty of trouble during the first laps until he managed to take the lead ahead of the Ducati rider.

While Xaus was very competitive in the leading group, even passing Troy Corser, until Noriyuki Haga ran into him and both went down. Fortunately it was a crash without serious consequences, and he was even able to get back on track and finish the race.

For his part, Fonsi Nieto had considerable trouble controlling his bike, having to take run-off areas to avoid falling, until he went off the track entirely and, after several laps, decided to retire because his bike was not working properly.

It was also a bad day for David Checa, who had a crash or went off track, which forced him to retire from the race.

The race had a turning point: the scare that Kagayama suffered at the finish line left the leading group with only three riders, including Carlos Checa. However, he then had bad luck, because Neukirchner blocked him and Bayliss escaped alone to win the first race.

Behind the winner there was a great battle between the Spaniard and the rider from Suzuki. Three laps from the end, Checa managed to overtake Neukirchner and took second place, a position he did not give up until the end of the race, although the young rider gave him plenty of trouble.

Therefore, the podium finished as follows:

1st Troy Bayliss.
2nd Carlos Checa.
3rd M. Neukirchner.

Now we must wait for the second round at the cathedral of motorcycle racing. Surely Xaus, Checa and Nieto will be fighting for the victory.

Photos | SBK Official website