Factory Yamaha rider, Josh Coppins, has swept the first round of the Italian championship in Montevarchi.

After posting pole position for his gate pick on Sunday, Coppins went on to hole-shot both moto’s and ride two convincing races, leading from start to finish. Italian favourite, David Philippaerts could not match the New Zealander’s consistency and had to settle for second while Coppins’s Yamaha team mate, De Reuver, just missed the podium in both motos.

“ It’s always great to win in Italy and I’m really happy with how the team and I are progressing every time we race. I had a bit of a challenge from Philippaerts in the first moto however I managed to pull away until I hit some back markers. I started to ride a little stiff but held on for the win. The second moto went way better and I managed to control the race from the front. I set the fastest lap time in both moto’s so the speed is definitely there. There is a still a way to go before the first GP in Valkenswaard so I want to get through these pre-season races with no hiccups.” explained Coppins.

Coppins is scheduled to race the Valence International next weekend. The spectacular hard pack circuit is expected to attract most of the factory teams and top international riders.

Race Results:

MX1 moto 1:
1. Josh Coppins
2. David Philippaerts
3. Kornel Nemeth
4. Marc De Reuver
5. Antoine Meo
6. Cedric Melotte
7. Chris Beggi
8. Alex Salvini
9. Andrea Bartolini
10. Manuel Priem

MX1 moto 2:
1. Josh Coppins
2. David Philippaerts
3. Kornel Nemeth
4. Marc De Reuver
5. Cedric Melotte
6. Manuel Priem
7. Antoine Meo
8. Alex Salvini
9. Chris Beggi
10. Andrea Bartolini

MX1 overall:
1. Josh Coppins
2. David Philippaerts
3. Kornel Nemeth
4. Marc De Reuver
5. Cedric Melotte