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Coppins worthy challenger for Everts
The MX1 world title has been decided at the GP of Lierop. New Zealand’s Josh Coppins was a worthy challenger for Stefan Everts however the Belgian deservedly won his ninth world title on what riders called the most demanding and treacherous sand circuit in the world. Coppins has secured second place in the championship and was one of the major threats to Everts with his consistency and two consecutive GP victory sweeps.
The starter signalled for the start of the first race and under clear blue skies and extremely warm temperatures the MX1 riders dashed for the first turn. Coppins was not in his usual top three starting position and had some work to do to move his way up the standings. He managed to break into a podium spot but had lost touch to leaders Ramon and Everts. All he could achieve was secure third spot.
Coppins went into the second heat knowing that all that was left to do was to give 100%. Everts was once again out front and “Lizzard” was back in fourth. The CAS Honda pushed as hard as it could but Townley, Everts and Ramon were making time on Coppins. The Kiwi rode his own race and crossed the finish line in fourth which would give him fourth overall for the GP.
“It’s been a tough weekend. This is the most demanding track I’ve ever ridden in my life. Stefan deserves the championship and I think I deserve second – I’ve fought all the way and never gave up in fact I still haven’t given up. There is still another year next year. I’ve never been a good sand rider but today was promising. The bike was working really well and I think we had a good weekend and a year we can be proud of as a team,” said a modest Coppins
Results MX1
