Ryde Rules Oulton Park: Pole Position and Triple Race Victory in BSB Season Opener

Kyle Ryde, British Superbikes

The opening round of the 2026 ZYN British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park delivered a thrilling start to the season, with title-defender Kyle Ryde showing blistering pace from qualifying right through to race day. 

Saturday’s qualifying session saw an intense battle for the Omologato Pole Position in mixed conditions, with the championship’s big names jockeying for top grid spots. Kyle Ryde (Nitrous Coin Nitrous Competitions Racing Ducati) took pole with a best lap of 1:33.001, narrowly edging out Bradley Ray (McAMS Yamaha) by 0.127s. Leon Haslam (Moto Rapido Racing) completed the front row in third, setting up a competitive front trio. Max Cook, Storm Stacey, and Scott Redding filled out the second and third rows as the top contenders lined up for Sunday’s action This strong qualifying performance by Ryde marked a clear statement of intent as the reigning champion pursued back-to-back titles.

Sunday at Oulton Park delivered three races in classic BSB style, with drama, overtakes and high-speed battles throughout the field. Race one showed Ryde converting his pole into a commanding opening victory, overcoming a tricky start to lead from lap four onwards. Leon Haslam chased him home in second, with Bradley Ray completing the podium in third. Behind them, Storm Stacey, Scott Redding and Max Cook impressed with strong rides inside the top six.

In race two, the reigning champ repeated his success in race two, pulling away once again to take his second win of the weekend. Haslam and Ray continued their consistent form with podium finishes, cementing themselves as early threats in the title hunt.

In race three,In the final showdown of the round, Ryde completed a hat-trick of victories, making it a perfect weekend and maximum points haul. Haslam and Ray were once more prominent at the front, while Glenn Irwin, Rory Skinner and others put in solid rides to round out the top positions.

With a maximum points haul under his belt, Ryde starts the 2026 campaign with real momentum, but consistent podium challengers like Haslam and Ray mean the title battle is sure to stay competitive. Next stop: Donington Park, where the championship resumes in mid-May.

Written by Lauren Moore