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Photo - Josh at Namur:
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Motueka’s motocross star, Josh Coppins has just missed out on the overall victory today at the famous Citadelle circuit in Belgium. One point kept the CAS Honda rider from taking what would have been his second ever career win.
Coppins missed out on the all important hole-shot in race one but was well placed to slot into fourth position as he gave chase to Belgian favourites Everts and Ramon, with fellow Honda rider, Pichon in third. Ramon could not keep the pace and soon had to hand over his lead and third position to Coppins. Pichon made a detrimental mistake a few laps later and the CAS Honda of Coppins was now giving chase to Everts. The screams of Coppins fans were overwhelmed by the shouting and hooters of the thousands of Belgian supporters who were cheering their Belgian hero on. Coppins did not let the Belgian out of his sights and was poised to take over the lead should Everts make a mistake. Neither rider would give in as Coppins crossed the line in second position.
“I had a pretty good start and made up a few position in the opening laps. I knew I had the speed and was closing on Pichon when he went down in front of me. Stefan rode well but I was there to capitalize if he made any mistakes. The track was quite tricky but I had some good lines going – I’m happy with the ride,” said the Kiwi.
Coppins gated fifth into the first corner of the second heat and had to pass the youngsters, Leok and Strijbos to move into second position. Fast starter Everts had made a mistake and dropped back to fourth, handing the lead to Pichon. Lizzard got to work and before long his was challenging the Frenchman for the lead. For a lap it looked as if the Kiwi would make his move but then a series of minor mistakes gave Pichon the opportunity to pull a gap. Everts moved into third making him the virtual GP winner so Coppins knew his only chance of overall victory was to try and catch Pichon or for Everts to lose a position. Neither would happen and Coppins accepted his second runners up spot of the day.
“I knew I had a chance of winning my second GP of the season but I just couldn’t finish it off. I closed Michaël down in the second heat and I thought I could have him but I made some small mistakes and he got a way. I tried to catch my breath but just didn’t have the energy to try another attack. I decided not to risk anything and settle for second. I’m happy with today but there are still a few things I can improve on like my endurance. The speed is there,” smiled Coppins.
MX1 points standings 2004.
1. Everts Stefan, BEL, Yamaha, 572
2. Pichon Michaël, FRA, Hona, 479
3. Coppins Joshua, NZL, Honda, 441
4. Ramon Steve, BEL, KTM, 394
5. Strijbos Kevin, BEL, Suzuki, 360
6. Leok Tanel, EST, Suzuki, 298
7. Jorgensen Brian , DEN, Honda, 294
8. Melotte Cedric, BEL, Yamaha, 291
9. De Dijcker Ken, BEL, Honda, 211
10. Atsuta Yoshitaka, JPN, Honda, 181
