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THE TROY BAYLISS STORY: 2002
As World Champion, 2002 wouldn’t be any different for Troy. It would be another year made up of individual races. It would be another year in which he was determined to succeed.
The reigning World Champion started 2002 on an incredible note with six 1st place finishes, putting him into the record books with the most consecutive wins at the start of any season.
Even after his streak was brought to a halt at Sugo - probably the toughest track to win at for non-locals - Troy resumed his double-winning form at Monza and then again at Lausitzring and Misano. He tallied an incredible six double-wins, with 14 wins overall in the season.
Troy showed his characteristic grit when he crashed at Brands Hatch and damaged his back and ribs. In spite of the severe beating, he got back on his bike and rode through the pain to 3rd and 2nd place finishes. Not even the crash at Assen, which allowed his nearest rival to slip ahead in the standings by one point, would cause the Aussie’s confidence to waver: “Now I’ve got to go out and do it all at Imola.”
Imola will be forever remembered. Racing fans around the world saw one of the most spectacular races in history at this “winner takes all” event. Troy Bayliss and Colin Edwards fought two incredible battles, swapping the lead and sometimes their paint too! In the end there could only be one winner and on that day it was Edwards.
Troy finished the championship second overall, but no one will forget the grace in which he conceded his title: There was still a big smile for all his fans as he stepped up to the podium after this final race of the season. Troy’s tremendous efforts throughout the year had, however, helped Ducati win their 11th Manufacturers’ Title.
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