New World Champion
Colin Edwards was quick to pay tribute to his title rival
Troy Bayliss after yesterday's enthralling Imola decider in which the American emerged triumphant.
Both riders displayed motorcycle racing at its most thrilling as Edwards – who could afford to sit behind Bayliss in race two to take the title – went all out for victory, and the two top riders swapped positions three times on the final lap alone, before Edwards held his nerve to take the flag.
"What a day!" beamed the Texas Tornado afterwards. "On paper the two race wins were ours but the job's still got to be done. My team has done a fantastic job, especially today when we needed it most.
"I knew what Troy's game was when he got in front and tried to slow the pace so Ruben could catch up,” said Edwards with a smile, adding: “ I had no choice but to get back in front and decide the championship that way.”
When asked about his title rival, Edwards showed the sportsmanship that has contributed to one of the all-time classic World Superbike seasons, and a once in a lifetime championship finale.
"Troy's been really good about it, a great guy and he's given it everything today when he knew we were in better shape,” declared the Castrol Honda rider. “ It's great that it's all over, there's nothing else left but to party!"
