The Cathedral of Speed never disappoints, and the British Superbikes’ return to Assen turned into one of the most dramatic weekends of the season. Across three sodden, unpredictable days, we saw everything: red flags, comeback charges, breakthrough wins, and title twists.
Here’s how the story unfolded, one day at a time.
See our gallery here
Friday – A Heated Opening Act
Saturday – Rain Stops Play
Race 1, though, was where Assen bared its teeth. Scott Redding surged into the lead, his Ducati punching through spray that hung in the air like mist. Haslam tucked in behind, Danny Kent sniffed opportunity, and Kyle Ryde—title leader—rode with his shoulders hunched, unwilling to risk everything.
Then came the inevitable. Riders spoke afterwards of not being able to see the braking markers. The red flag waved. Half points awarded. Relief, frustration, and exhaustion blended on every face.
Redding was the winner, Haslam the veteran in second, Kent the surprise podium man. Bradley Ray, Ryde’s main championship rival, had already gone down in the spray, a mistake that could haunt him.
Sunday – Redemption and Ruin
Sunday dawned wet again, and with two races on the bill, there was a sense of inevitability: some would rise, some would fall.
Race 2 – Iddon’s Triumph
Race 2 – Iddon’s TriumphChristian Iddon delivered a masterclass. Starting from pole, he was untouchable, stretching a lead while others struggled just to stay upright. Behind him, Rory Skinner produced one of the rides of the season, carving from 18th to second, each overtake a statement of intent.
Bradley Ray took third, a vital haul of points after Saturday’s heartbreak, while Haslam and Ryde fought just to limit losses.
Race 3 – Redding Strikes Again
As if Assen hadn’t thrown enough curveballs, the final race was stopped after four laps when fresh rain returned. On the restart, race 2 winner Christian Iddon crashed his Kawasaki at highspeed through turn 7. It was Redding who came alive. He made up for a lackluster result in race 2, stalked Leon Haslam until, with two laps to go, he lunged into Turn 1, sealing a dramatic second win of the weekend. This time in a Special Liveried Hager PBM Ducati.
Ryde, sensing the title battle tightening, dug deep to secure third and protect his lead. Bridewell chased hard in fourth but couldn’t quite crack the podium.
Championship Implications
Kyle Ryde leaves Assen still in control of the championship, but his lead has shrunk. Bradley Ray’s Saturday crash hurt badly, though his Sunday podium saved his weekend. Leon Haslam remains the eternal spoiler, always there, always in the mix.
But the headlines belong to two men:
- Christian Iddon – finally a 2025 race winner, reminding everyone he can still fight at the front. First win on the Kawasaki.
- Scott Redding – two wins in hellish conditions, his fire burning as bright as ever.
With only two rounds left, the championship is delicately balanced. At Assen, we were reminded that in BSB, nothing is guaranteed until the final flag.
Images supplied by Tom Lloyd & Ryan Sandall
