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Josh Coppins\' wretched run of luck continues in the world motocross champs, gearbox problems forcing him out of today’s German Grand Prix.
The expat Kiwi led from the start on the fast Teutschenthal track and diced with his Suzuki teammate Mickael Pichon, the title points leader.
But on the second lap his factory-backed machine began slipping out of gear.
“It just got worse, and people started passing me,” said the Motueka-born 24-year-old.
“On several parts of the track I had no gears at all and it was taking me time to get going again.
“Then eventually with five laps to go it just ran out of drive altogether … I felt like throwing it over the line after that half-hour of such hard work,” Coppins said.
“I’m gutted, I’ve had nothing but bad luck since the season started … but we’re still only a third of the way through and there’s still time.”
The non-result drops Coppins to fifth equal in the world championship, in which he finished fourth.
It was a French 1-2-3 in Germany as Pichon ran away with the race to extend his big lead in the title chase. Reigning two-time world champion Fred Bolley (France) finally got his season on track with a solid second placing today, ahead of Italian Yves Demaria.
The next grand prix is at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium in a fortnight.
Championship points after five events: Pichon 120, Gordon Crockard (Ireland) Honda 76, Demaria (Yamaha) 54, Claudio Federici (Italy) 51, Coppins and Pit Beirer (German) Yamaha 43.
