Laverty clinches double as Sykes wins Superbike title

Image caption, Eugene Laverty

Eugene Laverty won both races in Sunday's final World Superbikes round at Jerez while Englishman Tom Sykes secured the championship title.

Toomebridge rider Laverty produced a superb final lap overtake on Marco Melandri to win the opener while Sykes won the title by finishing third.

Laverty, on board an Aprilia, completed a double in the second race with Sykes second and Sylvain Guintoli third.

The 27-year-old finished second in the series, 28 points behind Sykes.

Frenchman Guintoli ended 13 points adrift of Laverty in third.

Laverty went past Melandri on the outside and on the final turn for a thrilling victory in race one.

However, Sykes started the day 37 points clear of Laverty and third place was enough to seal the championship crown for the Huddersfield rider.

Laverty has been linked with a return to Grand Prix, having contested two seasons in 250cc in 2007 and 2008.