    |
 |
|
|
|
Motocross ace Josh Coppins is chasing gold in Italy this weekend.
The second round of the Italian championship takes him to Bosisio Parini just north of Milan.
“I’m after nothing less than a win for top points,” said the New Zealand-born Honda rider.
“That’s a big ask, but I’m nearing peak form now.
“This championship is part of my buildup for the world champs which starts in just three weeks, plus it’s a lot more than that as well.
“The title is very important to my team, Berni Honda Racing which is based just near here and which has several Italian sponsors.
“Also I’ve never won the Italian title and this would be the perfect year, as a way of saying thank you to the team which has already been so good to me,” said Coppins, 24.
Il Coppini, as he is now known in Italia, joined the highly professional Berni squad this year to race official Honda works bikes in the six-month world championship plus selected other events.
He travels to Milan in a narrow second spot after one ride: his teammate Pit Beirer pipped him in round one and round two was cancelled because of fog.
Three rounds remain after Bosisio the contestants battle it out on the grand prix circuit at Castaglione del Lago in Tuscany next weekend, then await the final round in October.
Coppins contests the Absoluta championship, open to all nations. A parallel title is awarded to the top Italian rider.
Seen as the rising star of the world championship\'s glamour 250 class, flying as high as fourth in 2000, Coppins was dogged by bad luck last year and managed only sixth.
He is expected to be back fighting for this year’s title which is raced over 12 rounds from 24 March to late September
