Corser ends with a podium and a fall.

Troy Corser experienced the highs and lows of racing at Imola yesterday during the last round of the 2001 Superbike world Championship. In the first race, he took a superb second place and he was heading towards another good finish in the second, when he spectacularly crashed trying to catch the leaders. The fall was a bad one and Troy was taken to Clinica Mobile and remained under observation for an hour before he was released. Troy suffered numerous grazes and bruises, but is otherwise OK.

The first race was won by Spaniard Ruben Xaus (Ducati) after a long tussle with Laconi (Aprilia) and Bayliss (Ducati). But both Laconi and Bayliss crashed out on the twentieth lap and Troy inherited second spot. Third was 2000 champion Colin Edwards (Honda). In the second race, Troy didn't make a good start but was hunting down the leaders when he outbraked himself and went into the gravel trap. The front wheel dug in and he was highsided, before hitting Edwards who was unable to finish the race. The race was won by Troy's team mate Laconi, with Xaus second and Okada (Honda) third.

Troy Corser:
"That was a mixed day for me and I've ended the season battered, bruised and well beat up. The podium was good in the first race though! I know I was probably a bit lucky to get it, but I certainly didn't have the same good luck in race two, otherwise I would've walked away from the crash without a scratch. In race one, I didn't make my usual good start, but I put in some good lap times and I was happy top get second place. I made another bad start (for me) in race two, but pushed hard to get back into contention - probably too hard as it turned out! I was aggressive on the brakes - trying to catch the leaders - and was adjusting the brakes almost at the same time as slamming them on. To make sure I didn't hit Colin (Edwards) I headed for the gravel. The front dug straight in and I highsided. Colin realised I would smash into him and he didn't even attempt to make the turn. I'm sorry for that, because he wasn't able to finish the race. It's been an up and down season, but I'm glad I got on the podium today. The Aprilia boys have worked hard this season and I hope we can continue the good work next year."