Coppins strong in Valence
By TMX Archives on 23rd Feb 09
The international motocross season is now firmly underway as we gain momentum towards the first Grand Prix of the season. This weekend the cream of the European Motocross crop headed to yet another cold international, this time in Valence, France.
Yamaha Monster Energy racer, Josh Coppins, whohas won the last 2 years in a row at the French International, arrivedconfident after the previous weeks strong form in Italy where he ran awaywith the second heat.
Sunday morning dawned with ominous dark clouds as the thousands of fanspoured onto the hills of the Valence circuit waiting to cheer on themass of Grand Prix Stars.
As the start gate hit the floor for Heat 1, Coppins launched his YZ450FMtowards the first corner alongside team mate Philippaerts. Coppins andPhilippaerts put on a great performance as the two Yamaha stars led theentire race. At the chequered flag Josh crossed the line in 2nd positiona few seconds adrift of his Italian team-mate.
Heat 2 was to be another strong ride for the Kiwi as once again he wasup in the leading group after a good start. This time around, Belgian,Ken De Dyker managed to get himself between the two Yamaha riders withsome aggressive passes, which placed Josh in a respectable third positionat the end of the race. Only a few seconds separated the top 5 ridersfor some exciting racing.
For the last race of the day the fans would be treated to the super final,consisting of the day's best finishing MX1 and MX2 riders. Withtrack conditions now slippery and with a constant drizzle Coppins didnot take any risks and safely finished in 5th for 3 strong and consistentplacings.
At the end of a hard day's racing Josh had some time to updateus: "I came here today confident in myself - my riding is goingwell and the bike is working well. I want to keep building on my formand improve the finer details. We still have some time before the thefirst GP in Italy so I am confident that I am on track.”
Coppins's next appearance will be round 2 of the Italian championshipin Ponte Egola in a fortnight.
Image: Pascal Haudiquert
Overall results MX1 :
1.Philippaerts 1/1/2
2.De Dycker 4/2/1
3.Coppins 2/3/5
4.Strijbos 3/5/4
5.De Reuver 9/4/3
6.Ramon 7/6/7
7.Bill 6/8/8
8.Vanni 8/7/9
9.Vuillemin 5/10/10
10.Priem 11/13/17