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Byrne takes debut Airwaves Ducati win.

Sunday, 20th April 2008

After all the hype and the delayed season start, the joint favourite Shane Byrne has won the first race of 2008, at Thruxton.

Haslam was a long way behind in fourth. The former Ducati struggling with chatter and front end feel really dropped away after being passed by Rutter. But fourth is not a bad start considering his problems.

The pack behind the front runners was tightly packed but coming out on top was the recovering Leon Camier. The Airwaves Ducati man made a tardy start but showed great form to get back through the pack.

Likewise Tom Sykes for Rizla Suzuki fought through well after a bad fall in practice left his thumb sore. ‘Tom Thumb' then had a small problem in the race that dropped him to 12th before an electronics switch allowed him to fight back to sixth.

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Other impressive ride came from James Ellison in 7th, the Cumbrian has had a tough start to his BSB return, but raced very well. As did Simon Andrews and Stuart Easton.

Privateers Cup winner was Jonh Leverty on a much more basic Ducati 1089R to team mate Rutter's. Runner up in class was practice pace setter Chris Burns on the MV Agusta.

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