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The failed rider protest that sets a dangerous precedent

OPINION: Just 12 riders lined up on the grid for the World Superbike opener at El Villicum as a protest grew. The world champion starting the race, and rumours of underhand tactics, then caused the protest to collapse, but also leaves a lot of questions hanging

A depleted grid of just 12 riders lined up on the grid for the start of the first race of the 2019 Argentina World Superbike weekend at the El Villicum circuit. As lights out neared on the Saturday, a protest was afoot.

The San Juan-situated track - which hosted WSBK's first ever South American event last year - proved treacherous all weekend due to woeful asphalt conditions. After a Superpole session in which most riders felt they had "no control" of their bikes, they engaged in discussions with Dorna Sports and governing body the FIM about scrapping Saturday's race on safety grounds, feeling the hot conditions that day made matters worse still.

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