    |
 |
|
|
|
In just his first year as a world motocross factory rider, young Motueka expat Josh Coppins is already beginning to hit the big time.
Bouyed by his astounding climb to third overall in the premier 250 class this season, the talented Kiwi has been rewarded with media and support deals usually reserved for the veteran professionals.
He has become the first racer to have his own regular column on mxlarge, the respected, German-based internet publication which specialises in motocross in mainland Europe where the sport is widely followed.
\"It\'s a great way of keeping in contact with the fans and all the other people who are so important to my campaign,\" said the mature 23-year-old from his Corona Suzuki team\'s base in Belgium where he is preparing for a last frantic scramble for points over the next two weekends.
\"This is our last weekend off for a while,\" Coppins said.
\"We have two more rounds in Germany and Switzerland, then it\'s straight into post-season racing. First I ride for New Zealand at the Motocross des Nations in France, then down to Italy for the Arsago Fast Cross.\"
\"After that we start preparing for the World Supercross Champs in stadiums here in Europe and also South America.\"
Coppins, after five years battling as a privateer, was recognised this year by the crack Suzuki outfit - and promptly repaid their faith beyond anyone\'s expectations.
\"The team made it clear at the start of the year they wanted me in the top five, supporting my teammate Mickael Pichon who was expected to win the title.\"
\"I thought that was quite a challenge - there\'s ten or a dozen real pros here who are all capable of running at the front and many of them have been winning grands prix for years.\"
\"But I worked at it, picking up fifth then fourth, and last weekend I managed to get into a secure third overall.\"
That puts Coppins behind only Pichon and reigning world champion Fred Bolley, the French Honda rider who has been pressing Pichon all year.
Ironically Coppins\' latest rise came as Bolley finally snatched the title lead from Pichon, and the Kiwi was called on to assist his partner with team riding.
\"It\'s all part of the professional scene,\" said the young Kiwi. \"If we can get Mickael through the title, that\'s good for the team and ultimately good for me.\"
The youngster from down under, previously tipped as a star of the future, has begun to realise his potential earlier than anyone expected.
Coppins goes into negotiations for his berth next year knowing the Suzuki bosses have to be delighted with the emergence of the clean-cut Kiwi, while they have just been in the international motorcycle jury room defending Pichon amid off-track controversy.
Coppins\' column can be read on: www.mxlarge.com
Meanwhile fans can download a screensaver of Coppins from the website of New Zealand\'s motorcycle governing body: www.motorcyclingnz.co.nz
Championship points with two rounds remaining:
Bolley 370,
Pichon 352,
Coppins 297,
Pit Beirer (Germany) Kawasaki 280,
Claudio Federici (Italy) Yamaha 254,
Gordon Crockard (GB) Honda 251.
