Josh Opens up at Coupe de l’Avenir
By Mike Wood on 12th Oct 17
Motocross Josh Gilbert Coupe de l’Avenir
Josh Gilbert joined a pretty illustrious list of previous winners when he took the Open class overall at the Coupe de lAvenir at Quievrain in Belgium at the weekend.
The 19-year-old from Cornwall now has his name entered into the history books alongside MX legends including former world champions Gaston Rahier, Graham Noyce, Neil Hudson,
Eric Geboers, Stefan Everts, Andre Malherbe and current team boss Dave Thorpe.
It was a bit of a surprise to be honest, he said. Before the weekend I looked at the entry and there were six GP riders so I sort of thought Id be happy with a top five and over the moon with top three. It turned out a lot better than that.
There are some big names on the list of previous winners so its good to get on there.
Ive got Weston this weekend but it was my last major motocross race of the year so its great to go into the winter on the back of such a good result.
Josh, who works for the family groundwork business but is hoping to turn full-time pro next season, ran 1-1-2 to become the first British winner since Jason Higgs in 1992.
Next season hes staying with DT although the team has been rebranded Honda Adventure Centre for 2018. As well as contesting the EMX250 series hes aiming to improve on his No.7 ranking in the Maxxis MX2 class and runner-up finish in the Michelin MX Nationals.
Im very happy and comfortable with Dave. Its a great atmosphere on the team and Im looking forward to 2018. Id like to finish top five in the Maxxis next year and push for some podiums and win the MX Nationals title.
Josh is joined on the Honda Adventure Centre team in 2018 by rising MXY2 star Callum Green. For more information on the Honda Adventure Centre and DTs other off-road activities go to www.hondaadventurecentre.com and www.davethorpehondaoffroad.com