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July 12: New Zealand\'s Josh Coppins checked out in the Czech Republic this morning
The 22 year old from Motueka was dealt a crippling blow in the early hours of yesterday with an unshakable fever forcing him to make the only sensible decision and opt out of the Czech Grand Prix at Jinin, round 11 of the 250cc motocross world championships.
His difficult decision to abandon all plans of racing the muddy event was doubly painful, with the Kiwi champion losing his spot at 6th in the world rankings. By not racing, the factory Suzuki star has now slipped one place to 7th overall but he is still mathematically in touch with the leading riders. He remains the best-placed Suzuki rider in the series and assured of a top contract for next season.
Despite a 40 degree temperature, vomiting, and diarrhoea on Saturday, Coppins still managed to qualify 19th fastest at Jinin. The GP preliminaries were far from easy for Coppins. \"Every time I went over a jump it felt like someone was hitting me with a hammer. I took all sorts of medicine but nothing would work,\" he said.
\"By Saturday afternoon I was feeling a bit better but by 5:30 p.m. I was vomiting again, even water. I was unable to do anything but lie down and sleep. I was up all Saturday night and finally decided it wasn\'t worth it to race and risk crashing and injuring myself.\"
Frenchman Frederic Bolley (Honda) won todays Czech GP with 3-1 finishes, strengthening his position at second in the overall standings. German Pit Beirer continues to lead the championship despite not finishing today\'s first race. He was 3rd in race two. The 16 round series continues in Poland on August 1st.
For further info: Contact Viv or Ted Coppins, 0064-3-528-8023, Motueka
