Buildbase BMW’s Ryuichi Kiyonari came so close to doing the double during the MCE British Superbike weekend at Assen, but had to settle for two second place finishes instead. He was pipped to the post by title challenger, and championship leader Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki’s Shane Byrne in race-two, and Tyco Suzuki’s Josh Waters in a wet race-one.

Kiyo was close to leading the Showdown, but could not hold off the attacks of Byrne, but does close the gap in the standings to a mere 12 points, and also edges ahead of Milwaukee Yamaha's Josh Brookes in the Showdown – so it is all the play for going into Silverstone.

“In the first race I tried to catch up with Josh [Waters], but I didn’t realise that when I came back to the pits that Shakey had crashed out, and so did Brookes. So I was really happy with second," said Kiyonari, at the track.

“In race two I knew that Shakey tried to pass me before he made that move on the last lap on the last corner, but I was not fast enough in that section of the track, and he ended up winning, and this has left me feeling disappointed now.

“I came away from here with two second place finishes, but they both have different meanings to me, but I suppose the results today are good for the championship. Now I will go to Silverstone and I will try to win again.”

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