The FIM Sportbike World Championship launched their brand-new category to the raucous cheers of a packed Autodromo Internacional do Algarve last round at the Pirelli Portuguese Round. Capping off the weekend’s action in what was the nascent class’s inaugural round, Dutch rider Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) battled his way to the top of the order to win WorldSPB’s second-ever race.

RED-FLAGGED OPENER: Veneman foiled by early penalty

It was far from dominance straight from lights out for the Dutchman; however, he was set to start Race 1 at the back of the second row after his 1’48.867s Tissot Superpole session time saw him fall to P6 despite being just three tenths from Matteo Vannucci's (Revo-M2) pole-sitting speed. His grid position improved to P5; however, after a six-grid-position penalty was applied to David Salvador (Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI) by the FIM WorldSBK Stewards.

Shortly after lights out, however, the Stewards turned their attention to Veneman as he was applied a double Long Lap Penalty for a jump start. He was able to finish one of the two before a series of crashes involving riders such at Turn 1, Turn 3 and Turn 4 culminated in a red flag being waived for track conditions. He started the race in P7 after the restart, and while his gap to P1 fell to 3.575s after completing his second long lap penalty, he cut away at his margin quickly in the last three laps. His final two laps sliced away more than a second per lap, as he twice dipped into the 1’48s range, the only rider to do so, as his Lap 5 1’48.894s time earned him the fastest lap of the encounter.

EYES ON THE PRIZE: “In the end, a few riders caught up, but it didn’t affect me at all”

Starting Race 2 from pole position thanks to his late Race 1 exploits, Veneman had a simpler task cut out for him on Sunday. His rivals were not content to let the Dutchman rest on his laurels and cruise to an easy win of course, he fell to P5 by the end of Lap 1, beginning another uphill battle for the #71. Overcoming his teammate Xavi Artigas, David Salvador, Antonio Torres (Team ProDina Kawaski XCI) and pacey newcomer to the paddock Ferre Fleerackers (Track & Trades Wixx Racing), Veneman had his hands back on the reins in P1 momentarily by Lap 5. Pushing him to the very end, Torres, Artigas, Salvador, and Veneman tore onto the final straight practically simultaneously, but it was the Dutchman in the end who topped the all-Kawasaki podium for his first win in the new category.

On his weekend, Veneman said: “Race 2 was incredible! I felt really comfortable and fast all race long. I was able to lead most of the race. The plan was to try to pull away with as small a group as possible at the front. In the end, a few riders caught up, but it didn’t affect me at all. I was just riding my own race, and I felt really comfortable. In Race 1, I felt like I was one of the stronger riders because of how much I was able to pull back on the front group in the last couple of laps. I knew the speed was there; for Race 2, all I had to do was make it a reality, and I did just that. Now I’m looking forward to my home round at Assen!”

Catch Veneman in his upcoming home round at Assen, April 17^th, Live or OnDemand with the WorldSBK VideoPass!