The first round of the Italian Motocross championship has seen Yamaha Monster Energy rider, Josh Coppins, set the pace under perfect track conditions at the former GP circuit of Montevarchi.

Coppins set fastest lap time in his qualifying group A, matching the pole position of fellow Yamaha Monster Energy team-mate David Philippaerts in group B with both factory riders having top picks of the start gate for the first moto.

Blasting out of the gate, Coppins was placed 3rd on the opening lap behind fast starters Krestinov and Philippaerts. He made short work of the Estonian and then set his sights on the reigning MX1 world champ. Coppins made a move on lap 5 and took the lead from Philippaerts. An exciting race between the two rivals was ended prematurely when Coppins was forced to retire with a technical problem, handing the win to Philippaerts.

Determined to make up for the first moto loss, Coppins grabbed the hole-shot and never looked back in moto 2. He set the best lap of the race and won with almost 30 seconds advantage over second place finisher Tanel Leok.

“I was really pleased with my riding today and am happy with the progress we are making with the bike.” commented the New Zealander. “These races are ideal for refining the bike setup and the second moto proved that I’m on track with my speed and fitness. We have been really lucky with the weather here in Italy and I have had the ideal preparation for the GP’s. There are still a few more internationals to get out of the way first but I’m really looking forward to the first GP in Faenza.”

“Lizzard” will head to France next weekend for the Valence MX international where he has won the last two consecutive editions and will be looking to pull off a hat-trick. If Coppins succeeds he will be the first rider in the history of the event to do so.

Race results:

MX1 Race 1
1 PHILIPPAERTS ITA
2 CAIROLI ITA
3 LEOK EST
4 SWANEPOEL RSA
5 PRIEM BEL
6 KRESTINOV EST
7 THAIN FRA
8 BILL SUI
9 MARTIN FRA
10 COMPAGNONE ITA
DNF COPPINS NZL

MX1 Race 2
1 COPPINS NZL
2 LEOK EST
3 PHILIPPAERTS ITA
4 CAIROLI ITA
5 SWANEPOEL RSA
6 BILL SUI
7 VANNI FRA
8 LEONCE FRA
9 DE BORTOLI ITA
10 THAIN FRA

MX1 Overall:
1 PHILIPPAERTS DAVID ITA
2 LEOK TANEL EST
3 CAIROLI ANTONIO ITA
4 BILL JULIEN SUI
5 THAIN RODRIG FRA
6 COPPINS JOSHUA NZL
7 LEONCE LOIC FRA
8 MARTIN CRISTOPHE FRA
9 VANNI JULIEN PAUL FRA
10 COMPAGNONE FELICE ITA