KIWI RIDER 04 2019 VOL.1 | Page 58

INSIDE PHILLIP ISLAND WSBK WORDS & PHOTOS: NICK EDARDS, HALFLIGHTPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM You know the race results, but we thought you might want a little more info behind this year’s racers and how they did at Pl. Photographer Nick Edards takes you through things as he saw them. Bautista isn’t just bloody fast, he’s an engaging guy as well. He kisses his old knee sliders as he rips them off and replaces them with new ones; he has a stretching routine before he gets on the bike which is a little reminiscent of Rossi’s pre-race callisthenics and he always seemed genuinely happy to shake a hand, have his photo taken or exchange a word. It’s easy to like him.