Shane Byrne upstaged by Althea Racing team-mate in World Superbikes opener
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Shane Byrne was upstaged by team-mate Carlos Checa in the
opening round of the World Superbike Championship in Australia at
the weekend.
The Sittingbourne rider's Althea Racing partner Checa claimed
victory in the second race of the day at Phillip Island – a maiden
win for the Italian team – with Byrne having to settle for 12th
place.
Earlier, 33-year-old Byrne, battling a back injury after a
high-speed crash in practice, had ended the first race in 14th
place meaning his weekend earned him six points.
Byrne (pictured) said: "We found out in Australia that there are
a lot of riders who can fight for race wins and that the level of
riding is very good."
Byrne’s weekend in Australia was a painful one after a crash
during the provisional qualifying session.
Hindered by a back problem the two-time British Superbike
champion struggled in qualifying – ending 17th on the starting
grid.
But with Checa proving Althea have the machinery to challenge
for the top prizes in 2010, Byrne is excited by what lies
ahead.
He said: "I think we have a really competitive team now and
hopefully the rest of the season can go well."
- All Superbike World Championship races will be broadcast on
British Eurosport, with the European rounds also available in High
Definition. British Eurosport Sky 410 & Virgin Media 521,
Eurosport HD Sky 412.
Monday, March 01 2010
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