American Spies wins World Superbike title

Published Oct. 25, 2009 7:04 p.m. ET

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The Yamaha rider won the first race on the Algarve Circuit on Sunday while title rival Noriyuki Haga of Japan crashed. That gave Spies a 15-point lead going into the season's final race won by Michel Fabrizio of Italy.

Haga followed and Jonathan Rea of Great Britain was third. Spies passed Max Biaggi cruised home fifth and it was enough to give him the championship by six points (462-456) over Haga.

Spies finished the season with 14 wins in 28 starts and a record-breaking 11 poles. He is tied for 12th in career World Superbike wins after one season.

Spies and Edwards will be teammates on the Yamaha MotoGP squad in 2010.