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This report is from Ben Townley`s manager, Glen Dempsey.
Visit Josh @ his Website: Josh Coppins.com:
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Cold and rainy conditions have not kept CAS Honda hero, Josh Coppins from yet another podium finish. The well prepared Ballykelly circuit played host to the penultimate round of the MX1 championship and Coppins was set, with his second qualifying time, to do battle.
Coppins missed his usual top notch start and was placed down the field in the opening laps of the first race. He was determined to make his way through the pack and the one lined muddy circuit would not make his task any easier. In true fighting style “Lizzard” plugged away and gained valuable positions. Fifteen minutes into the race, Coppins had already taken control of fourth position and was hunting down third placed rider, Cedric Melotte. He moved in for the kill with five minutes to go and was content to cross the finish line for a hard fought third place.
“I totally missed my start and had to come from way back. I’m surprised I could come through that well in these conditions,” explained Coppins. “The track was pretty much one lined and hard to pass on but I still managed to find a few gaps. I’ll need a better start in the next race if I want to run with Everts and Pichon.”
The Coppins “Hole-shot” trademark was once again displayed as the number thirty- one CAS Honda rocketed its way into the first turn and into the lead. Coppins’ lead was a little short lived as Stefan Everts made his pass. “Lizzard” tried the best he could to keep the Belgian in eyesight but it was not to be. A few laps later Frenchman, Michaël Pichon relegated the Kiwi to third – Coppins was fighting to stay in contention however before the race was done he would lose another position, although third overall for the day was salvaged.
“My start was much better but it didn’t help for long. I think I exerted myself too much in the first race and it took its toll on me. I need to ride a bit more in the next few weeks – my feeling has not been 100% and it’s something I need to work on before South Africa. I’m also really happy for BT (Ben Townley) in winning his first world title today. He works really hard and deserves everything he gets,” said Coppins.
MX1 Points Standings:
1. Everts Stefan, BEL, Yamaha, 666
2. Pichon Michaël, FRA, Honda, 573
3. Coppins Joshua, NZL, Honda, 519
4. Ramon Steve, BEL, Ktm, 439
5. Strijbos Kevin, BEL, Suzuki, 421
6. Leok Tanel, EST, 338
7.Melotte Cedric, BEL, Yamaha, 317
8. Jorgensen Brian, DEN, Honda, 294
9.De Dijcker Ken, BEL, Honda, 247
10. Seguy Luigi, FRA, Yamaha, 217
