So near yet so far for Shane Byrne this weekend in the MCE British Superbike Championship finale at Brands Hatch.

Going into the final three races of the season Shakey knew that he needed to be Alex Lowes to seal his fourth BSB crown.

It all came down to the final race of the season almost predictably and it was one hell of a race between the two riders.

There was little to separate them but it was the younger man in Lowes who took second place and with it the 2013 British Superbike Crown.

On Saturday in the first race of the triple header Byrne had to settle for third place behind Josh Brookes and Lowes. It meant that there were was still everything to play for going into the last race of the season.

Brookes was the man who was leading from the front and it was easy to overlook the Australian’s contribution to the season and the fact that he won the three races at Brands Hatch, ensuring that he will be a challenger in 2014.

Race two was a strange experience as Alex Lowes crashed out early doors whilst Shakey dropped down into the pack. All he now needed to do was stay on his bike and move his way through the field, but disaster struck and he slid out of the race also.

However, it did set-up a thrilling finale on Sunday afternoon where both riders were in with a shout of winning the BSB crown. If it was to be Shane’s day he was going to have to be done the hard way from P22 on the grid, with Alex starting from P9.

It was an amazing ride from Byrne who rode like a man possessed and cut his way through the field to climb into the top ten. He took massive risks in the pursuit of his dreams in awful conditions and it showed the class of the Kent based rider.

He took second place from Alex Lowes just before the halfway mark and at that stage he would have been champion, however as we all know the racing wasn’t done yet.

Lowes was biding his time and made his move three laps from home, there were several moments in the last three laps when both riders could have come off their bikes, as they showed their commitment to win what has been a fantastic championship fight.

It was the young gun who took the second place and the championship ahead of Shakey who had to settle for second place. It was some of the best racing between the two riders that have been witnessed in the championship for many a year, it is just a shame that we won’t get to see more of it next season with Alex likely to be heading to Moto GP.

Speaking after the race a disappointed Shane said: “It’s a shame the final round was affected so much by the difficult conditions otherwise I think it could have been even more exciting but I gave it my all right up until the very end. I had no idea I was in second in the last race as I couldn’t see anyone ahead but when I saw P2 on my board I knew that position would be enough.

“I just tried to concentrate and stay smooth but I knew Alex would have a go and when he did I had to fight back straightaway otherwise it would be over. Sure enough, he came by but we were having so many moments out there I just couldn’t get him back. I made a mistake and ran wide a couple of times on the last lap but Alex put it on the line and became champion and it’s been a pleasure to race with him all year long.

“Obviously, it’s disappointing not to have retained the title but it’s been one of the most enjoyable seasons of racing I’ve ever had. It’s tough to see the title disappear but a few things have happened this year that have made me realise how much I enjoy doing what I do and I can put my hand on my heart and say I gave it my all.”

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