Bayliss retires – again

Troy Bayliss has announced his permanent retirement from the World Superbike championship after today’s Thailand races, where the former triple champion finished ninth and eleventh.

Coming out of retirement for the first time sine he first left the sport as reigning world champion in 2009, the Australian returned last month at his home race at Phillip Island to deputise for the injured Davide Giugliano.

Speaking after race two, when he made the announcement, the forty five year old says his return was fun.

“I’ve had a great time. I didn’t expect to win, it was great to experience it all again but I’ve had my time so I am happy to go home and enjoy my family, and leave it to the young guys.”

Bayliss was expected to continue for the next two rounds of the championship at Aragon and Assen before hanging up the leathers, to take advantage of engine cap rules that would have allowed Giugliano to return with a full contingent of eight motors.

It’s believed that Xavi Fores, the former European Superstock 1000 and German Superbike champion, will fill in for the injured Italian at the upcoming European rounds.