"The best man won" - Foggy on Imola.
Two race wins at Imola crowned the Texan Tornado, Colin Edwards, as the 2002 World Superbike Champion. The thrilling final showdown at the Italian circuit was ultimately between Edwards and Troy Bayliss, and the American managed to hold off the 'Wonder from Down Under' despite incredible pressure.

Two race wins at Imola crowned the Texan Tornado, Colin Edwards, as the 2002 World Superbike Champion. The thrilling final showdown at the Italian circuit was ultimately between Edwards and Troy Bayliss, and the American managed to hold off the 'Wonder from Down Under' despite incredible pressure.
"The best man won," commented Carl Fogarty. "The racing was brilliant with two top riders battling it out for the world championship. Both Troy and Colin have been head and shoulders above the rest of the field all year although Bayliss dominated the first half of the season and Colin the second half. They both deserved to have won but the championship doesn't lie and ultimately the best and fastest rider wins."
Edwards started the first race of the final round with a single point lead and dominated the race despite a red flag after eleven laps. But the dual continued into the second race, with Bayliss snatching the lead on the last lap. A mistake at the penultimate corner however enabled Edwards to re-pass him and forced the Australian to settle for second place.
"What an amazing weekend and race to be commentating on!" enthused James Haydon, who commentated on both races for Eurosport. "Both Troy and Colin were very impressive and that's how you want to see a championship decided - with riders going at it hammer and tongs and making the atmosphere so intense. They pushed themselves and their bikes to the limit. I can't wait to be out there on the Foggy FP1 and get amongst them."
"It was a weekend of really good racing and great to see the championship decider go down to the wire," added Troy Corser. "Honda tested at Imola not long before the race which may have helped Colin, but both Colin and Troy put in strong performances the whole weekend and gave the crowds a very exciting finale to this year's championship."