South African rider Hudson Kennaugh wrapped up the inaugural five-round Suzuki GSX-R European Cup with an emphatic win at Magny-Cours in France today. Starting from pole position, Kennaugh went off into the lead and was not headed for the rest of the race: His nearest rival in the Championship, Carmelo Morales – who started in second place – crashed on the second lap which allowed Kennaugh an easy route to victory. Said Kennaugh: “It really helped that I was also racing in the World Supersport event and then when I broke down in that race it gave me extra time to prepare for the ‘Cup’. I was also very angry after that breakdown which also helped! This has been a great series and I have enjoyed racing against all these guys. I want to say thank you to my team and also the GSX-R Cup organisers who have put on a really good show.” Top British rider on the day was 43-year-old Mike Edwards in eighth position, who also claimed the same position in the series despite missing his home round due to another riding commitment. He said: “I’m really pleased overall but I would have liked to have finished higher – it’s a shame I missed the Silverstone round. Today I had an altercation with another rider on the track which held me back. I’d love to do this series again; it’s been very well organised and it is a great opportunity for young riders – unlike me!” Second British rider home at Magny Cours was Rob Barber in 14th, who finished the series in 15th overall. He said: “I was a bit disappointed about being knocked off the track today on lap nine, which stopped me finishing higher in the race. I know I could have finished higher but I’m pleased with my lap times. This has been a great Championship and I’d like to thank Suzuki for the opportunity to ride in it.” Magnus Houston grabbed 15th position in the race and 17th overall in the series, despite carrying a wrist injury for the past two rounds. He said: “I got a really good flying start and made up five places before the first corner. It’s been a mega day for me and I felt better and stronger than I have for a long time. I had a great race all the way through with several riders. I’d really like to thank Suzuki GB, all the team and especially the British Team Manager Andy Parr for giving me this opportunity to race in the series.” Suzuki GSX-R Cup Results: 1 Hudson Kennaugh (South Africa), 2 Roman Stamm (Switzerland), 3 David Salon (Spain), 4 Xavier Simeon (Belgium), 5 David Fouloi (France), 6 Emerick Jonchiere (France), 7 Ismael Ortega (Spain), 8 Mike Edwards (GB), 9 Max Weymann (Germany), 10 Domenico Colucci (Italy), 11 Dominic Lammert (Germany), 12 Jarno Van Der Marel (Holland), 13 Rene Mahr (Austria), 14 Rob Barber (GB), 15 Magnus Houston (GB), 16 Gerard Jolivet (France), 17 Oliver Skatch (Germany), 18 Stephane Lacaze (France), 19 Marketa Janakova (Germany). Final Championship Points: 1 Kennaugh 103, 2 Salon 94, 3 Morales 83, 4 Fouloi 54, 5 Ortega 47, 6, Lammert 44, 7 Simeon 42, 8 Edwards 37, 9 Forster 30, 10 Skatch 28.