    |
 |
|
|
|
Photo - Josh in Swedish Mud
Visit Josh @ his Website: Josh Coppins.com:
It features the Kiwi`s latest news, pictures, profile, wallpapers, etc.
CAS Honda star, Josh Coppins has tried his best to defend his points deficit in the MX1 championship in Udevalla, Sweden.
After heavy downpours, the Swedish skies cleared before the start of the first MX1 heat however that was not to help track conditions. Coppins started well but halfway through the first lap he was hit from behind when he suddenly had to stop for a rider that had been caught up in deep rutted corner in front of him. Coppins was stone last and had to make a quick pit stop to try and fix his clutch. The CAS mechanics could do little to help the Kiwi as the perch was broken. Lizzard rejoined without the use of his clutch lever and started his catch up race. He gradually fought his way through the field on a circuit that left no room for passing. Coppins had moved into fourteenth by the last lap and he managed to pick off another position in the closing seconds for a hard fought thirteenth place finish.
“There was nothing I could do in that left hander down the bottom of the circuit,” explained the Kiwi. “I was hit from behind and the guy even rode over my leg. The clutch lever got damaged in the crash which was unfortunate as it cost me a few positions in the end.”
Coppins almost grabbed the hole-shot in race two but drifted wide and was forced off the racing line into deep sludge. He regained his composure and started to regain a few positions, breaking into the top ten but then the kiwi was forced to get rid of his goggles. Coppins rode through the pain barrier but could not move further up the field and he crossed the finish line in ninth.
“I had a bit of trouble in the start after I had a good jump but I wasn’t moving forward enough in the opening stages. I had to throw of my goggles which didn’t really help matters. I’ve got to work on this for the next GP,” said a disappointed Coppins.
MX1 points standings 2004.
1. Everts Stefan, BEL, Yamaha, 483
2. Pichon Michaël, FRA, Hona, 386
3. Coppins Joshua, NZL, Honda, 357
4. Ramon Steve, BEL, KTM, 350
5. Strijbos Kevin, BEL, Suzuki, 295
6. Melotte Cedric, BEL, Yamaha, 291
7. Jorgensen Brian , DEN, Honda, 246
8. Leok Tanel, EST, Suzuki, 242
9. Smets Joel, BEL, Suzuki, 175
