Bayliss socks it to ‘em in Valencia

WSB champion Troy Bayliss got the perfect start to his title defence with two wins in Valencia on Sunday afternoon…thanks to his lucky socks.

Bayliss had worn the same pair in his successful pre-season test at Valencia and decided to stick with them for this weekend. Let’s hope they get washed before the next round.

Bayliss started from pole after dominating Saturday’s Superpole.

The Ducati riding Aussie heads Aprilia’s Noriyuki Haga in the championship after Haga took second spot in both races.

Neil Hodgson’s fifth and sixth places were as much as he could have expected from a circuit he has never got on with and Chris Walker’s battling seventh and 10th deserve special mention given his recent much-reported medical concerns.

James Toseland struggled with 10th and 12th place finishes after a heavy crash on Saturday before Superpole.

WSB race two result: 1. Bayliss, 2. Haga, 3. Edwards, 4. Bostrom, 5. Hodgson, 6. Izutsu, 7. Walker, 8. Borja, 9. Martin, 10. Toseland, 11. Pedercini, 12. Borciani, 13. Clementi, 14. Foti, 15. Santini.

WSB race one result: 1. Bayliss, 2. Haga, 3. Bostrom, 4. Edwards, 5. Xaus, 6. Hodgson, 7. Izutsu, 8. Lavilla, 9. Chili, 10. Walker, 11. Borja, 12. Toseland, 13. Antonello, 14. Pedercini, 15. Parkes.

Championship so far: 1. Bayliss (50) 2. Haga (40) 3. Edwards (29) 3. Bostrom (29) 5. Hodgson (21) 6. Izutsu (19) 7. Walker (15) 8. Borja (13) 9. Xaus (11) 10. Toseland (10).

World Supersport: Frenchman Fabien Foret won from compatriot Stephane Chambon in Valencia. Christian Kellner was third with Aussi Chris Vermeulen fourth.

Reigning champ Andrew Pitt was fifth with Jamie Whitham close behind him in sixth. Alessio Corradi took seventh place, Casoli was eighth, Carlacci ninth and Werner Daemen tenth.

Macpherson failed to finish.