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JoshCoppins.Com:
It features the Kiwi`s latest news, pictures, profile, wallpapers, etc.
Fresh off his first ever GP win, Josh Coppins is sticking to his game plan of being consistent. The Kiwi motocross star did just that in front of sell out French crowd today in Saint Jean d’ Angely.
Coppins grabbed a superb hole-short aboard his CAS Honda 450cc machine as the gaggle of riders dashed into the first turn for the start of race one. “Lizzard” lead the field of thirty for the opening stages of the race until he was passed by former world champions, Stefan Everts and Michaël Pichon. He tried as best he could to pose a threat to the Frenchman and Belgian but it was not to be. Coppins was content to hang third and he crossed the finish line, earning some valuable points.
“I started off too fast,” admitted the kiwi “Stefan and Michaël got passed and I just couldn’t hang on to them. It was no use forcing it as I just wasn’t up to their speed. Hopefully I’ll be able to be more of a challenge in the second heat.”
Coppins missed out on the hole-shot in the second race but was still placed in the top five as the pack exited the second turn hairpin. Everts had grabbed the lead and was taking advantage of a clear track. Pichon retired on the first lap after a coming together with his fellow countryman, Yves Demaria. Coppins settled into third position and kept his sights on Demaria. The Lizzard’s superior fitness played an important role when he succeeded in passing Demaria three quarters into the race. Coppins ended the race in second – good for a consistent podium finish.
“The second race was a bit better - I pushed hard from the start and managed to work my way up to second. I could have pushed harder to catch Stefan but I don’t think I would have been able to make the pass. This has pushed me up to third in the championship and I just want to keep the consistency going” said Coppins.
MX1 points standings 2004.
1. Everts Stefan, BEL, Yamaha, 356
2. Melotte Cedric, BEL, Yamaha, 268
3. Coppins Joshua, NZL, Honda, 266
4. Pichon Michaël, FRA, Honda, 252
5. Ramon Steve, BEL, KTM, 247
6. Leok Tanel, EST, Suzuki, 179
7. Strijbos Kevin, BEL, Suzuki, 176
8. Smets Joël, BEL, Suzuki, 175
9. Jorgensen Brian, DEN, Honda, 148
10. Gundersen Kenneth, NOR, KTM, 133
