Stefan Everts has been dominating proceedings in the MX1 world championship this year, but if 2005 runner up Josh Coppins (CAS-Honda) has things his way Everts’ winning streak could end soon. With three consecutive GP podiums Coppins’ comeback from injury has been nothing short of spectacular. The likeable kiwi even has an extra motivation for the upcoming GP of the Czech Republic and the GP of Belgium in form of an unusual bet for a Belgian TV show.

‘To jump or not to jump’, that’s the question for Josh and TV presenter Cynthia Reekmans who launched the bet. If Coppins can win one GP heat in either Loket or Namur, Reekmans in return has to skydive at the next race of the Belgian motocross championship taking place at the legendary Keiheuvel in Balen, 15th of August. If Josh can’t win, he will have to jump!

The skydive challenge is not only a nice touch to the traditional Keiheuvel race, it’s also befitting

for the nearby ‘Aeroclub Keiheuvel’ who celebrate their 50th anniversary from August 11 to 13. The bet should be an exciting one as Coppins is the man on the move at this stage of the MX1 world championship. After a double heat win at the British Championship last weekend,

‘the Lizzard’ is upbeat about his chances: “I’m making progress week after week, and it’s going really well for the moment. Loket is not so technical and quite fast but the track has been kind to me in the past. The last three years I have made the podium there, (grins) so I think I stand a chance to get Cynthia to skydive! Honestly it would be the first time for me as well, and it makes me kind of nervous although it seems a cool thing to do. The best deal for me, would be to win and get the opportunity to skydive.”

Earlier this year Reekmans received a master class motocross riding from the legend himself, Stefan Everts. However skydiving seems in a completely different league. “Jumping out of a plane for fun is not exactly high on my wish list,” Cynthia admitted. “It seems scary, but people who have done so say it’s a great experience. MX1 motocross GP have been quite dull lately so if our little bet makes the racing more exciting at least my sacrifice will not have been in vain!” said the former Miss Belgian Beauty.

Want to know how this bet develops?

July 30, GP of Czech Republic in Loket

August 6, GP of Belgium in Namur

August 15, Belgian MX championship, Keiheuvel-Balen

All about the Belgian Championship: www.2cmx.com

More on Cynthia Reekmans: www.cynthiareekmans.com