    |
 |
|
|
|
From - Ian Miles:
COPPINS WINS ITALIAN TITLE:
Josh Coppins is motocross champion of Italy.
The expat Kiwi went unbeaten in the sixth and final round at Asti to win his first European national title.
The Honda star blasted a four-stroke CRF450 away from two former world champions to dominate Saturday qualifying and both moto legs on Sunday.
"It wasn't easy riding," commented the laidback 25-year-old. "I've had the
flu all weekend and I felt ratshit."
"But this title was one of my goals at the beginning of the year and it
feels great."
Riding the 450 for the UK-based CAS Honda team for whom he will defend his world 250 runner-up spot next year, Coppins had his work cut out. Coming to Asti he was one point behind the Yamaha of triple 125 world champion Alessio Chiodi after the five rounds in the early part of the year.
"All that waiting till the final round is a bit hard, but it made me want the title even more," commented the rider nicknamed Lizzard.
Chiodi put up a tough fight in moto one today but the Kiwi had a lead of ten seconds by the chequered flag. Chiodi's challenge fell away and Coppins flew home in moto two half a minute ahead of another CRF450 Honda, ridden by former world 500 champion Andrea Bartolini who was his teammate earlier this season.
It caps a tumultuous year for Coppins, who came to the European-based world
championships in 1995.
This year's second place in the world 250 glamour class is his best ever
performance but along the way he had to beat off accusations of doping
after taking the wrong hay fever pill.
He also survived the financial collapse of his Italian Honda team, riding directly for the Japanese factory's European base by year end.
Chased by a number of top teams for the 2003 season which will see 450 two-strokes take on 250 two-strokes, the Lizzard was snared by Harry Ainsworth's respected CAS outfit for whom he dominated the final round of the British champs last weekend.
"That's it for 2002," added Coppins. "I can have a break now, get some rest
and fix up a few injuries.
"Next year I'm aiming for the world title."
