Ryan Vickers admitted he didn’t think a double victory was on the cards, but the British Superbikes rider delivered a stunning performance at Thruxton on Sunday, winning both races and leaving his rivals in the dust.
The 26-year-old, who rides for the LAMI OMG Racing team, came into the Hampshire circuit with modest hopes, but left with a maximum haul of 50 points after dominating the day. Thruxton is one of the fastest circuits on the calendar, and it has historically been a happy hunting ground for the series’ top names, so Vickers’ achievement is all the more remarkable.
Exceeding Expectations
Vickers was candid in his post-race assessment, admitting that he had not anticipated such a result. “I didn’t think it would be possible to win both races here,” he said. “Thruxton is a place where you need everything to be perfect, and the team gave me a bike that was absolutely on rails. I just had to stay focused and keep pushing.”
His first win came in the opening race, where he held off a late charge from championship leader Tommy Bridewell to take the chequered flag by a narrow margin. The second race was more controlled, with Vickers leading from start to finish after a strong start from the front row.
The double win has catapulted Vickers up the championship standings, moving him into third place overall, just 12 points behind Bridewell. It also marks a significant milestone in his career, as he had never previously won two races on the same day in the premier class.
Thruxton’s Unique Challenge
Thruxton is known for its high-speed corners, including the famous Church and Noble sweeps, which place immense demands on both rider and machine. The circuit’s abrasive surface and flat-out nature often make it a lottery, but Vickers managed his tyres perfectly and maintained a consistent pace throughout both 20-lap encounters.
“You have to be brave at Thruxton, but also clever,” Vickers explained. “It’s so easy to make a mistake and lose everything. I knew I had a good setup, but I also knew that many things could go wrong. So, to come away with two wins is just incredible.”
The British Superbikes championship is known for its intense competition, with several riders capable of winning on any given weekend. This season has been particularly close, with multiple race winners and no clear dominant force. Vickers’ double victory adds another twist to the title fight, which is now more open than ever.
Building Momentum
Vickers’ performance at Thruxton is a clear sign that he is maturing as a rider. Having been on the BSB grid for several years, he has often shown flashes of pace but has lacked consistency. His ability to convert pole position (which he secured in qualifying) into wins is a testament to his growing confidence.
His team principal, Paul Curran, was effusive in his praise. “Ryan was outstanding today,” Curran said. “He’s been working so hard, and it’s great to see it pay off. The whole team is buzzing.”
The double win also has broader implications for the championship. With Bridewell and Kyle Ryde both finishing behind Vickers in both races, the gap at the top has narrowed significantly. The next round at Cadwell Park, known as the ‘mini-Nürburgring’ due to its undulating layout, will be crucial.
Looking Ahead
Vickers is not getting carried away, though. “We have to keep our feet on the ground,” he said. “Cadwell is a completely different challenge, and we’ll start from scratch. But this gives us a huge boost, and I can’t wait to get there.”
For now, Vickers can savour a day that he never thought possible. His double at Thruxton is a reminder that in motorsport, expectations can be shattered, and that hard work and belief can yield extraordinary results.
As the British Superbikes season enters its second half, the championship battle is heating up. With Vickers now firmly in contention, the title race has gained a new dimension. If he can replicate this form, he could be a serious threat to the established order.
