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CAS Honda rider, Josh Coppins, has climbed onto the second step of the podium at a treacherous and demanding Dutch GP in Lierop. Racing conditions were made all the more challenging as rain turned the infamous sand circuit into a physically punishing affair in front of 33.000 spectators.
Lightening reactions and a quick gear shift saw Josh Coppins grab the hole-hot in race 1. His lead was short lived when Stefan Everts snuck by in the second turn. Coppins quickly latched onto Everts but could not match the Belgian’s speed so instead of risking a crash in the deep sand he set his own pace. A slight challenge from team-mate Ken de Dycker was promptly brushed aside as Coppins took control of the situation and pulled a comfortable gap. With no answer for Everts, Coppins smartly finished in 2nd ahead of Steve Ramon.
Another superbly executed hole-shot had Coppins leading Everts into the second turn of race 2. Everts tried to pull the same passing manoeuvre as in the first heat but Coppins immediately shut him down, only to lose the lead moments later. Coppins could not challenge a physically stronger Everts and went on to claim second place.
“It’s so tough in these conditions and the sand is definitely not my favourite so I had to use my energy wisely,” commented Coppins. “I got two hole-shots but I knew I couldn’t ride Stefan’s pace in the sand. I was the ‘best of the rest’ but if you look at it the result is not so good – it could have been better. It took me too long to recover from last weekend and with racing on Monday I really felt it. I tried to keep Stefan in my sights but within a few laps he was gone and I had to ride my own pace – it was actually quite boring. Stefan gave everyone a lesson today not only physically but also mentally and all the younger riders including myself can learn a lot from him. Second was the best I could do today.”
Coppins will head to Hawkstone Park next weekend for the 8th and final round of the British MX champs.
