[Video] Remember this sensational battle for the win in WSBK? | GRR
By 2014, Tom Sykes had established himself as the man to beat in World Superbikes in the saddle of his Kawasaki. As reigning champion, he was among the favourites to triumph again for a second consecutive year, and it was rides like this at Donington Park that cemented his status as one of the very best motorcycle racers of the 2010s.
This was a showcase of Syke’s relentless battling qualities. He refused to give up, even when languishing down in tenth position earlier in the race. He fought his way back through the field, before coming across his Kawasaki team-mate Loris Baz in the lead of the race with just three laps to go.
What followed were two enthralling laps as both riders fought hard for the right to stand on the top step. Sykes made the first move with a dive down the inside of the final corner as the pair barrelled over the line with front wheels in the air.
You can see just how hard each is pushing. They’re both way beyond the limit of grip and Sykes steams into Turn One and just barely keeps the front end in check. Two corners later the lead changes again as Baz absolutely sends one down into the Old Hairpin. And so the action continues right to the very last moments. We’ll let you watch the video to find out who crosses the line in first place.
There’s barely a moment to breathe, as both Sykes and Baz look hell bent on ensuring they’re going to be the one to come out on top. It’s relentless, it’s exciting and it’s unforgettable drama, the likes of which we love to see.
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