Rizla Suzuki's Tom Sykes had to settle for second place in the opening Bennetts British Superbike Championship race of the day at Cadwell Park after losing out to Leon Haslam midway through the race.

Whilst he may be have missed out on the race win, Sykes' second place elevated him to second in the championship standings whilst rival Cal Crutchlow struggled in the opening race and the pair are now separated by a single point.

Sykes said: "I was happy with the start and was ok in the lead but I pulled off a visor tear off down Park Straight and it lost me time and Leon was able to get by me. I was close behind him going in to Barn but the front end folded, I was able to hold it but it lost me time. I thought I might have had enough time to get him back but Leon had got a gap on me and it was too tight to close him. I hope that we can go one better this afternoon in the next one, but all credit to Leon as he was riding great. I know that I have a good bike thanks to the Rizla Suzuki team and I can't wait to get back out for the next one."