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August 2: From his worst result to his best in the space of three weeks, New Zealand\'s Josh Coppins bounced back with a vengeance in Poland this morning.
The New Zealand champion finished the day 4th overall with 3rd and 5th placings at round 12 of the 250cc motocross world championships in Gdynia today.
This put Coppins\' campaign firmly back on the rails after he\'d failed to feature in the Czech Republic three weeks earlier when the 22-year-old had experienced a 40-degree fever and sensibly opted not to ride.
But the Suzuki star was back and better than ever today, his first podium finish marking Coppins\' comeback with style and resurrecting his world championship campaign. He remains 7th in the series standings, with just four rounds remaining, but has firmed his position.
\"I was very tired at the end,\" said Coppins. \"I only just missed out on 3rd overall for the day. My physical condition was very good considering how sick I was this time two weeks ago\".
The Motueka man was again the best-performed Suzuki rider, outshining his more-fancied factory team-mates in the two 45-minute legs.
The youmg Kiwi is now only 10 points behind the 6th-placed Frenchman Mickael Maschio.
German Kawasaki rider Pit Beirer maintained his grip on the series lead with 1st and 3rd placings today.
Round 13 of the champoinship is the Luxembourg Grand Prix next weekend.
