Troy Bayliss:
The low point was Salt Lake City. It was a long way to go to not get the results! I was also frustrated and annoyed with myself for what happened at Vallelunga, I came so close!
Q:
Did you have any doubts that you would win? Was anyone a real threat?
Troy Bayliss:
At the start of the year I was concerned about Max Biaggi, and also Neukirchner, Nori and Carlos but then as the year’s gone on, I’ve just got on with the racing and things have gone our way!
Q:
What are your best memories of racing with Ducati?
Troy Bayliss:
There are so many great memories that I could never single out just one. I’ve been with Ducati for 10 years and it’s been a career full of memorable moments. Winning each of the world titles that I’ve taken with the team were of course special times. Then the GP race in Valencia in 2006; the first time I won a British Superbike race; taking a British title in 1999; the first time I won a World Superbike race in 2000 in Hockenheim… The list is pretty endless really!
Q:
How will you celebrate?
Troy Bayliss:
I don’t know really, as it’s a very strange feeling to win, knowing that you’ll be finished with the Superbike racing very soon. I have very mixed-up emotions right now.
Q:
Do you have a message for your fans?
Troy Bayliss:
To the fans, who only see the racer Troy, and maybe don’t know me personally, I take this opportunity to say a huge thank-you for all their support over the years. Most of the support has come my way thanks to Ducati, from Ducatisti who love the bikes and the heritage, and who have become my fans as a result. I thank you all for the memories.
Q:
What’s next for Troy Bayliss?
Troy Bayliss:
Well the only certainty for now is that I’ll be moving back to Australia in the next few months, taking the family back home. Having spent the last ten years here in Europe and in Monaco, Kim and I have decided that the time is right to take the children home. Apart from that, there are no concrete plans for the moment. I will stay involved with Ducati in some way, after our long history it would be impossible to cut myself off from racing completely. So I’m sure I’ll be showing up at some Ducati events and keeping in touch with everyone. I’m sure I won’t disappear altogether!
