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Monday, 24 June, 2002, 11:27 GMT 12:27 UK
Title race not over
When asked what is the reason behind Troy Bayliss' success this season, the great man had no hesitation in saying his wife Kim. The Australian says his family are the backbone of his recent extraordinary achievements. He has been so focussed over the last two years and he is now starting to relax and accept that he is the best rider in the paddock.
It was another outstanding performance by Bayliss in Misano.
He just seems brilliant in every aspect of the sport. Even in qualifying this weekend he was something to watch. Some of his rivals have started calling him superman - he's just not human. But the title is still not over.
For all his success, the points difference is not that great. If Troy doesn't finish a couple of races then it would get really tight. But it is going to have to mean Bayliss slipping up, and that doesn't look like happening at the moment. Colin Edwards is racing better than ever and his bike is looking better and better. Fifteen out of 16 podiums says it all really. He should really be winning championships. But Bayliss just never makes a mistake. It is true his bike is better, but I think it is a combination of rider and machine.
Edwards said to me afterwards that it is a bit of a soul-destroying experience at the moment. But the prospect of the number one spot gives him motivation and as long as he's still in touch he says he's going to continue to give 100%. As for our own Neil Hodgson, he's almost conceded he is fighting for third place.
It turned out to be a disappointing weekend for James Toseland. He looked good in qualifying but was unable to challenge in both races. The second race he jump-started and I don't think he realised. He was really bitterly disappointed as he had his eyes on a top five place. But he's only 21 and has got a really bright future. He's so consistent and is a really special talent and a future world champion. Fitness troubles Noriyuki Haga all but admitted that his fitness was not what it should be, despite finishing third and fourth over the weekend. The Japanese rider could barely stand after the second race, although admittedly the conditions were intensely hot with track temperatures getting up to 50C. He said he is in need of a holiday, but I think it is a case of not training hard enough. The majority of the riders are supreme athletes who would wipe the floor with footballers in terms of fitness. Haga doesn't quite have the same approach it seems. We move onto Laguna in California for the next round and you'll be able to see those races on BBC Two on Friday 19 July at 2335 BST.
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