Toseland, the Honorary Doctor on Two Wheels

Tech 3 Yamaha Team rider James Toseland has had a different kind of experience last week, when he collected an honorary doctorate from the Sheffield Hallam University, as he was no longer cheered by motorcycling fans, but by cheering graduates.

Though 2009 has been a difficult year for the Englishman, he was reminded of his achievements when he returned home to collect the doctorate for services to sport.

"To be here and recognized by the city and Sheffield Hallam is possibly the most humbling thing I've ever received,” said Toseland, who learned to ride on coal spoil heaps close to his Kiverton Park home. “It's a great honor and the icing on the cake for me after winning two championships and hopefully another next year," he added.

Toseland became the youngest-ever World Superbike Champion in 2004. The 28-year-old rider entered MotoGP Championship in 2008 and had a strong start, but the 2009 season did not pay off for him. The 29-year-old rider will be competing for the Yamaha World Superbike Team in 2010.

“I'm looking forward to returning to World Superbikes," said Toseland in a press release from Yamaha at that moment. "I want to show I'm still the rider that can win world titles."

The double World Superbike Champion will therefore replace Ben Spies, who will move to Tech 3 Yamaha Team, competing alongside Colin Edwards. Pairing with Toseland will be current Yamaha World Supersport rider Cal Crutchlow. The 24-year-old already showed his skills on a superbike after ending the 2008 British Superbike season third in the standings.