Vickers sets sights on Superbikes title

Ryan Vickers on the podium at Navarra

By Phil Daley, BBC Radio Norfolk Sport

Norfolk rider Ryan Vickers says his goal for the season is to win the British Superbikes Championship.

He made a perfect start to the campaign in the opening round, winning both races in Navarra on the OMG Yamaha.

Round two takes place this weekend at Oulton Park in Cheshire.

"My goal before I even started the season was to win the Championship - that is my only goal and that's what we're working towards," Vickers told BBC Radio Norfolk.

The 25-year-old from Thetford took maximum points in Spain to go straight to the top of the BSB standings.

"It's the start of the season and there is a very long way to go," he said.

"I need to continue this good form - I'm just really happy that the bike was working well and we were able to capitalise on that.

"My goal is to be consistent and capitalise when things are going well. If I have to settle for a top five finish some weeks, that's ok, fifth is better than not."

Ryan Vickers made his British Superbikes Championship debut in 2019

Vickers has never finished higher than 12th in the Championship, but his winning start has given him renewed faith in himself and his bike.

"I don't think there's a track on the calendar where we can't fight for a podium; that's a benefit of the Yamaha, it works everywhere," he said.

"I expect us to be at the front of every race, but if there is a round where we're struggling, I expect us to get the next best position."

Last season's crash at Cadwell Park in August left him with a crack in his trapezium at the base of his wrist.

He is now fully recovered and looking to make amends after a poor showing at Oulton Park last year.

"I missed the first tests and race at Oulton last year. This year I'm fully fit and we've got some good data there," he added.

"We're going to be in a better place from the off this year."