Nitrite competition Yamaha rider Kyle Ride says holding the championship lead in the Assembly British Superbike Round is a “big victory” given Bradley Ray’s previous track knowledge.
The first weather-affected Assen Round in the series since 2019, with Yamaha away from the top spot on the podium, with the victory shared between Ducati’s Scott Reading and Kawasaki’s Christian Aydon.
After finishing sixth in race 1 and eighth in race 2, Ryde violated the podium at Yamaha in third in race 3.
Ryde leaves Assen with a 31-point advantage in the standings, crashing from race 1 and finishing sixth in race 3 after winning the podium in the second contest, leaving him with two rounds.
“I know that taking some points from Brad on a track he knows is a big win for me and for the team,” Ryde said.
“Despite the struggles we faced while wet, I am proud of what our team and I achieved this weekend.
“Today we showed a strong pace from start to finish and set a strong lap time in Race 2, which is in good position for the final race of the weekend.
“We’ll be in a strong place heading to Alton Park within two weeks. I’m excited to go back to work for the round of the year.”
Ray admits that it was “unfortunate” that Race 1 would be affected by the rain given the pace of his practice in dry, but he is confident in keeping Ride in his sights.
“We’re mixing over the weekend,” he said.
“We were fast with free practice and qualifying, so when it rained in Race 1, it was a shame.
“I was wet, but I felt better on the Aquaplan and got off. In Race 2, I had a few moments, but I took it home in a third and got some valuable points at Kyle.
“In Race 3, we lost too much time early and can’t afford it at BSB.
“There are still many points to fight, especially with the increase in brand hatch, so it’s not finished until it’s finished.”