Superb Bayliss claims title

Troy Bayliss has won the World Superbike championship in his farewell season after finishing third in race one at Magny-Cours on Sunday.

The Ducati Xerox rider claimed his third championship after crossing the line behind race winner Noriyuki Haga and second-placed Fonsi Nieto.

The veteran Australian celebrated his title win in style by leading the field home in race two.

The 39-year-old now has an insurmountable lead in the riders' championship with one round remaining at Portimao in Portugal.

"This last championship has been up and down the whole year," said Bayliss. "Halfway through the year, though, we were very confident that everything was looking good.

"I had a lot of pressure, a lot of things on my mind the whole year. It's been pretty strenuous."