Source: Kawasaki Racing.

The 2014 Superbike World Championship fight went right to the wire and despite scoring two third places KRT rider Tom Sykes was unable to defend his crown and lost out by only six points.

After two 17-lap races of full commitment under the floodlights Sykes finished the SBK season in second place overall, with a total of eight race wins, more than any other rider.

Sykes could not match new champion Sylvain Guintoli’s pace in each race at Losail, but showed his determination to fight all the way with his double podium.

“We gave it everything at the final round and no regrets,” Sykes said. “We made the podium in both races and pushed as hard as the bike and set-up would allow. We had some really good lap times in race two but Sylvain had a better pace.

“It is what it is and the races today had the most significant outcome of all. I am disappointed, but there is only so much you can do. We knew this weekend would be hard work and there is no disgrace in what we did, unfortunately it just wasn’t quite enough. Luckily the winter is not too long and we will come out fighting next year.”

As well as his eight wins, Sykes took 16 podiums in 24 races and scored five Superpole wins.