Eugene Laverty loses ground on World Superbike leader Sykes

Eugene Laverty

Eugene Laverty has slipped to 37 points behind World Superbike series leader Tom Sykes despite two podium finishes at Magny Cours on Sunday.

The Toomebridge rider came in third in the opener and runner-up in the second race while Englishman Sykes won both races on the French circuit.

Laverty remains a point clear of France's Sylvain Guintoli, who was also in the top three in both races.

The final round takes places in Jerez in a fortnight.

Laverty, on board an Aprilia, closed the gap on Sykes after winning the second race in the last round at Laguna Seca.

However, Laverty struggled to compete with Sykes at Magny Cours, finishing over 10 seconds behind the championship pacesetter in both races.

The 27-year-old has been linked with a return to Grand Prix, having contested two seasons in 250cc in 2007 and 2008.