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A sell out Italian crowd along with magnificent weather and track conditions set the scene for round eight of the MX1 world championship series in Castiglione del Lago. Josh Coppins could not capitalize on the perfect settings as the Kiwi was frustrated not to capitalize on his good speed over the weekend.
As the gate fell for the start of race one, Coppins was nudged out by fellow Honda rider Mickael Pichon which blew any chances of a hole-shot or good start. The CAS Honda rider had to regain his composure and fight through the pack to make up his lost positions. Eventually Coppins found his race rythym and started to reel in Stefan Everts after he had disposed of Spanish youngster Jonathan Barragan. An exciting battle was on for fifth spot with Coppins all over the back wheel of his Belgian challenger but Lizard just couldn’t find the gap to pass his rival so had to settle for sixth.
Race two seemed to be a carbon copy of the first with Coppins wheel spinning up the start and having to come through the pack. He managed to get by Brian Jorgensen around the halfway point and kept a steady position until the finish flag to come home in fifth.
“My times were good all weekend so I had high expectations going into the race today. Although I really liked the track, I could find my race rhythm and left my self vulnerable because I was so frustrated that I couldn’t pass and get through to the front. I seemed to be fighting with myself which was a bit frustrating. I had wheel spin in both starts which sort of messed up my chances. On a positive note I’m still third in the championship and very close to Smets,” explained Coppins.
