WSB Rider of the Year: 3rd - Chaz Davies

After another epic season of racing, MCN’s sports team of Michael Guy (Sports Editor), Simon Patterson (MotoGP Reporter) and Oli Rushby (Superbike Reporter) sat down to discuss who impressed them the most in each race series we cover to establish MCN’s top five riders in each category.

And after a hectic World Superbike season, it wasn’t an easy call to decide who deserved what spot in our top five riders of the year in the class. Here’s what we think –  but feel free to disagree with us in the comments!

World Superbike Rider of the Year: 3rd – Chaz Davies

2018 wasn’t quite the swansong Ducati had hoped for its v-twin Panigale, but Welshman Chaz Davies was able to take the runner-up spot in the championship for the third time in four years.

Davies scored more podiums than anyone other than world champion Jonathan Rea in his 2018 title quest despite riding injured in the second half of the year, but he’d only take two wins, one in Thailand and another in Aragon.

It was five runner-up spots that helped him overhaul Yamaha’s Michael van der Mark to second in the title chase, aided by a wrist injury for the Dutchman after an almighty highside in the final round at Qatar.

Davies’ will be hoping Ducati’s new V4 will rejuvenate the Italian marque’s title credentials in 2019.