Shane Byrne extended his lead in the MCE British Superbike Championship at the weekend with two second place finishes in changeable conditions.

With both Josh Brookes and Riyuchi Kiyonari failing to finish on the podium in either of the races, it means that Shakey took full advantage collecting numerous podium points.

In race one Shakey started from pole position and was battling with Tommy Bridewell for the lead with it changing several times before the red flags were to come out with the heavy rain falling at Cadwell Park.

Speaking after race one, a pleased Byrne said: “It was a tough call to be honest and I find it hard to take second. I had led for most of the race and then Kiyo came by and then it got a little bit sketchy, then it was back at the front.

“I hit a false neutral coming out of the last section and it meant a drag to the line with Tommy (Bridewell). I couldn’t believe it when I saw P2 when we came back in. That said second place is more credits for the Showdown and we hope we can make it a win in the second one.”

The second race of the weekend had drama before it even began with Brookes going down on the warm-up lap and therefore he couldn’t be part of the race.

With a very wet race taking place, riders were rightly cautious in the opening laps and with Kiyo looking to put the hammer down and try and chase down Byrne but he fell and was out of the race.

Byrne was chased down by Peter Hickman who went on to take his maiden victory, Shakey did keep pace with him but as the latter stages approached it was obvious that he didn’t need to do anything stupid and jeopardise his podium points.

Reflecting on the weekend at Cadwell Park, he added: “I was a bit annoyed with the result in the first race and it was a tough one to take on the chin. I led every lap of the race and whenever anyone overtook me, I was able to get back past them straightaway. I hit a false neutral coming out of Barn which allowed Tommy to get by me and with the race being stopped a lap later, him getting across the line before me saw him get the win.

“Conditions were even more difficult for the second race and it was probably the longest 15 laps I’ve ever had. Peter and I had similar pace but when he started to edge away a bit, I started to look at the bigger picture and with both Josh and Kiyo out, second was a really good finish so I’m happy.”

The season now moves on to Donington Park in two weeks’ time for the final two races before the showdown gets underway.

Picture supplied by PSP Images.