Brands BSB - 'Difficult' to retain Supersport title, says Richards

Smith's Triumph British Supersport Champion Glen Richards has said it will be more difficult to retain his title this year than it was to win it in 2012 with the influx of new and fast riders this season.

The veteran Aussie, who had a season-long scrap with Jack Kennedy last year, reckons the likes of team-mate Billy McConnell, Stuart Easton, Graeme Gowland and Scott Smart will all prove to be contenders for the Motorpoint-backed trophy.

"This year will be more difficult, throwing more good riders into the mix. We are missing both Christian Iddon and Jack Kennedy who’ve gone to the World Championship but more than making up for that we have four or five very fast riders coming in to take their places. So, it will be as difficult for me, if not more difficult," said Richards, who will be 40 this year.

“You’ve got former champions Stuart Easton and Alastair Seeley, then there’s Graeme Gowland and Scott Smart – there are so many its hard to pick one out but we are working hard with our new bike, there is still more to do but the boys are doing a good job and we are looking ready.

“We’ve tested well and Billy (McConnell) is looking good and very fast – we’ve done our testing, know what we need to do with the bikes."

By BSB desk

Image by Double Red