July 17, 2006

MXGP: the Comeback of Coppins

Fighting his way around the Sun City circuit in South Africa, Josh Coppins finished a brilliant second overall after scoring 2-2 results. Coming back to the site of his 2005 South African GP victory, the New Zealander was excited to race on a course that he enjoys riding. Despite two great starts, he couldn't match the speed of eventual winner Stefan Everts.

"I don't think it is easy to make the podium today," Coppins said. "I am still trying to improve my condition, I have also struggled in the start in the second race in previous races, but today I was strong and took two good starts. I am happy about that. I need to relax a little earlier. I felt stiff in the first moto, but for me if you take all the riders, this race for me is Portugal for them (due to missing the first rounds due to his shoulder injury). The other riders are all dialed in and in good shape, and I know I am not."

"After I saw the times, I could see Stefan and I had the quicker times compared to the others, so I knew I had it over the other guys. I wasn't surprised he (Everts) passed me so quickly in the early part of the first moto. Stefan is riding really strong in the first part of the race and he has improved in that, I am not able to do that yet."

In the opening MX1 race, Coppins held an early lead after holeshotting and just when everyone was wondering if the Stefan Everts domination was about to end the Belgian legend moved past Coppins like he was standing still. Everts then moved away from the New Zealander. There is no question that Everts is on a level all alone, and not even Coppins can match him at the moment. .

The second MX1 race was led by Coppins once again, and like the first race Everts pushed his way past to take a handy lead rather quickly. Coppins and Ramon got into a nice battle for second place, both showing good lines and as the race closed down they also moved closer to Everts, although it looked more like Everts was taking it easy. Coppins closed in on Everts as the race closed down.
source: www.motocrossmx1.com

Results: GP of South Africa
1. Everts, Stefan
2. Coppins, Joshua - SCOTT
3. Ramon, Steve
4. Leok, Tanel
5. de Dycker, Ken - SCOTT
6. Strijbos, Kevin - SCOTT

Championship Classification
1. Everts, Stefan 492
2. Strijbos, Kevin 356 - SCOTT
3. Ramon, Steve 334
4. Leok, Tanel 330
5. de Dycker, Ken 322 -SCOTT
6. Barragan, Jonathan 235 - SCOTT