From a press release issued by Castrol Honda:

Castrol Honda’s Colin Edwards took second place in today¹s second race of round five of the World Superbike championship here at Monza in Italy.

But the hard-riding American was forced to defend second place on the final 3.6-mile lap as held of the challenge of Neil Hodgson and Noriyuki Haga. The runner-up place, along with third place in the opening race, continued Edwards’ run of podium finishes–nine from this year’s 10 races.

Edwards said: “I was determined to try and make up for third place in the opening race by winning the second. I think Haga, Hodgson and me messed each other up and let Bayliss get away at the front.

“Monza is always a tactical battle out on the track and while I got into the middle of the fight for the lead Bayliss made the break, at exactly the same time. We’ve worked hard this weekend but, in the end, I suppose victory wasn’t to be.”

Edwards added: “Everyone’s getting worked up about the championship situation but there’s five of 13 rounds gone. At this stage last year I had 130 points, this year I’ve got 186 so I know I’m still capable of being world champion.”