Ryde Delivers the double on historic Cadwell weekend
Words and images courtesy OMG GRILLA
OMG GRILLA Yamaha celebrated 90 years of Cadwell Park in the greatest way, as Kyle Ryde backed up his Sunday performance with a second and a win on Bank Holiday Monday. Ryan Vickers delivered a sensational ride from 20thto sixth in the sprint race, but sadly crashed out of the 20-lap race whilst leading; thankfully, unhurt.
After a stylish ‘Ryde’ to victory on Sunday, Kyle Ryde delivered two more solid rides, as Bennetts British Superbikes partied in the park on a glorious Bank Holiday Monday.
After a strong morning Warm Up, which saw Ryde lead team-mate Vickers by 0.077s, the Nottinghamshire rider made a strong getaway to the 12-lap sprint, holding onto his third place on the run into Turn 1. Sitting behind the leading duo until Lap 4, Ryde then made his move, passing Lee Jackson, not once, but twice into Park corner, eventually making it stick before setting after Tommy Bridewell. Shadowing the Honda rider for the remaining laps, the #77 rider looked to launch his attack, but was just unable to find a way through on his rival, crossing the line for a fine second in front of the cheering fans.
Posting the second quickest time of the race, it was another lighting start for him, flying into the lead on the run to Coppice Corner. Leading at the end of the first lap, he proved untouchable as he withstood the ongoing pressure from Bridewell behind. Using the same strengths that played into his hands on Sunday, Ryde managed to break a few tenths ahead, and maintained the advantage to the flag, crossing the line 0.702 seconds ahead.
Ryde said: “From what started off as a bit of a struggle, it ended up being pretty easy, weekends like that don’t come very often but when they do you have to take the most from them. I would’ve liked to have taken all three wins but when it’s 12-laps everyone is pushing to the limit and the risk wasn’t quite worth it going wrong. The last race was probably the best race I’ve done, I was consistent and only made one mistake in the 20 laps. I got as many trophies as I could and was crowned Bennetts Rider of the Round – so thank you to the fans and of course my team for it.”
After a tough Sunday, Ryan Vickers was determined to turn his luck around on Monday, after what has been a strong run of form for the #7 Yamaha. A strong morning Warm Up boded well for a strong sprint race, despite starting the 12-lap battle from 20th. A usual strong start saw Vickers leap into 16th at the end of the first lap before making his way through to the top ten places by the mid-way stage.
With Josh Brookes ahead, the Yamaha rider muscled his way through before taking another two places in as many laps. Passing Jason O’Halloran on Lap 9, the gap to the top five ahead proved to be too much and crossed the line for a fine sixth with a front row lap time in his pocket.
Launching for the final 20-lap race from third, Vickers held his ground on the opening lap before picking off Charlie Nesbitt on the second lap. A move on his team-mate three corners later saw him take the lead, but as he pushed on crashed out of the race on Lap 3 at Turn 1, thankfully unhurt.
Vickers said: “We were strong all weekend and showed that from the first night at the test. We then had bad luck from there, crashing in the first race and having to start 20th for the sprint. We came through the field in the 12 lap race, which was good, finishing sixth and bagged a front row start. We had a plan to get to the front and try to break away, the plan went to perfection but as I was upping the pace I sadly hit the bottom of the forks and crashed. I have to apologise to the team because they’ve worked really hard all weekend, but we have to bounce back now. Congratulations to Kyle and the team on a strong weekend for him, winning King of the Mountain and the Cadwell 90 Trophy.”
The team now head into crunch time as the points return to the traditional 25 for the victory, as the series heads into the final three rounds of the season. Two wins and a second place for Ryde sees him claw valuable points back in the standings, heading to Oulton Park 19 points adrift of the series leader. Ryan Vickers remains in fifth, 86 points from the top.
Alan Gardner, OMG GRILLA Yamaha, Team Owner said: “What a weekend it’s been! Kyle rode superbly to take two wins and a strong second place, bringing home a haul of trophies for his efforts. His side of the garage worked hard from the first test and Kyle finished the job off on the track, I couldn’t be prouder. Ryan had an unlucky weekend. He was really strong in the test on Friday and topped the wet Saturday practices, but it sadly didn’t go as we all hoped from there despite riding really well in the sprint race and up until his crash. Luckily, he’s only battered and bruised after his crash today, so he’ll be back to full fitness at Oulton Park in a few weeks time. It’s an important time in the season now, as the points go up from here, but Kyle cut the gap down in the standings and we’re ready to give it everything to keep the momentum going and be in the hunt come Brands Hatch.”
Paul Curran, OMG GRILLA Yamaha, Team Principal, added: “It’s been a great weekend for Kyle and the team, two wins and a second place are three amazing results. He rode really well in all three races, showing his form and managed to cut the gap down in the Championship. Ryan had an unfortunate weekend, crashing out of Race 3, but his ride in the sprint race was really strong. Coming from 20th to 6th is positive and he was looking good in the lead up until he crashed. There’s lots of positive to take away as we head into crunch time with the final three rounds.”
The team return on the September 13-15 as the series resumes at Oulton Park.