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Motocross ace Josh Coppins heads to southern Tuscany this weekend determined to extend his lead in the Italian All-Comers championship.
Drying out from a mud-caked event in the Alps on Sunday, the Honda star has been training in sunshine this week in preparation for a circuit which also hosts a round of the world championship, his main job.
“This is round three of the Assoluti d’Italia, the title open to riders from all nations,” said the New Zealand expat.
“I’d like to open a good gap here, as the final round is not until after the world champs in October.”
At the beginning of the year Coppins promised his new team, the crack Berni Honda Racing outfit, a victory in their home championship.
“It’s our main aim outside the world champs,” said the CR250 rider. “I want to deliver it for my team and for Honda.
“Now I’ve got the chance to move closer, plus celebrate my 25th birthday which is next Monday.”
The consistent professional, on the comeback from a disappointing sixth in the world champs last year, moved to 78 points in the waterlogged Bosisio Parini round last weekend, three clear of Italian former three-time world champ Alessio Chiodi.
The pair will fight out the title, barring disaster. The nearest challengers are well behind.
The riders line up this weekend at Castaglione del Lago, near Assisi north of Rome.
“I’m expecting a hard-cake,” commented Coppins. “Even at this stage of spring the sun is strong and as long as last week’s storms don’t come south we’ll be happy.”
Practice and qualifying are held Saturday, the points awarded over two races Sunday.
