The first round of the JUMBO ONK Dutch championship in Gemert has been good preparation for Yamaha Factory rider, Josh Coppins. Winter rain showers hampered morning time training however the clouds dispersed before the first MX1 race.

Coppins grabbed a reasonable start in the first moto and set about working the treacherous and demanding Gemert sand circuit. With consistent lap times, the Kiwi worked his way into a podium spot however a last minute charge by fellow factory Yamaha team-mate Marc de Reuver saw Coppins relegated to fourth.

The second moto was cut short for Coppins with a clutch lever problem caused by the mud.

“I’m glad I came out here today,” explained Coppins. “This is the first time I have raced in Gemert and this track really lives up to its reputation of being one of the most demanding and difficult sand tracks in the world. I still managed to get some good and consistent lap times going. Riding in the sand requires a totally different technique and I am getting more comfortable with it after having spent the entire off-season riding in perfect track and weather conditions back home in NZ. This has been a good step in the right direction before Valkenswaard.”

Coppins is scheduled to take part in an official press conference in Valkenswaard on Tuesday which will give the New Zealander a sneak preview of the circuit and what to expect for the opening GP on the 1st April.

Race results:

MX1
1st Moto:
1 Maxi Nagl D KTM
2 Steve Ramon B Suzuki
3 Marc de Reuver NL Yamaha
4 Josh Coppins N-Z Yamaha
5 Tanel Leok Estr Kawasaki
6 William Saris NL Yamaha
7 Bas Verhoeven NL Suzuki
8 Kristof Salaets B Suzuki
9 Heikki van den Berg NL KTM
10 Mike Kras NL Suzuki

2nd Moto:
1 Marc de Reuver NL Yamaha
2 Tanel Leok Estr Kawasaki
3 Maxi Nagl D KTM
4 Marvin van Daele B Honda
5 Steve Ramon B Suzuki
6 Sven Breugelmans B KTM
7 William Saris NL Yamaha
8 Patrick Roos NL Honda
9 Kristof Salaets B Suzuki
10 Danny Theybers B Honda
DNF Josh Coppins N-Z Yamaha