The first major race on the European Motocross calendar kicked off this weekend in a rain sodden Mantova, Italy. All eyes were on the premier MX 1 class as the world’s elite riders would line up and go head to head to for the first time in 2009.

Yamaha Monster Energy racer, Josh Coppins has enjoyed an injury free lead up to the start of the season allowing him to concentrate 100% on his strength and fitness over the Winter period. “It feels great to start the season injury free, this really allows me to concentrate on racing rather than worrying whether or not I can give it 100%”, explained the New Zealander.

Saturday morning dawned with a glimpse of short lived sun-shine as Coppins headed out for his 15min qualifying race. Josh was back to his form on the start as he blasted his YZ450FM out the gate coming through the first corner in the leading group. This was great to see as the 2008 season had been marred by continual bad starts for the likeable Kiwi. Coppins rode a comfortable race and crossed the finish line as the best placed Yamaha rider in 6th position.

Sunday’s three, back to back motos, kicked off with yet another good start for Josh as he headed through the first corner hounded by the world’s best riders. The good starts and steady riding continued throughout the day as ‘Lizzard’ was one of the few to keep upright in the treacherous conditions that had been made worse by the overnight downpour.
He finished off the day with a solid 5th position overall, again as the highest placed Yamaha rider for the day.

Coppins will stay in Italy this week in order to test and prepare ahead of the first round of the Italian Championship next weekend in Montevarchi.

Overall results:
1. Strijbos 75pts
2. Barragan 60pts
3. Nagl 58pts
4. De Dycker 47pts
5. Coppins 46pts
6. Ramon 45pts
7. Leok 34pts,
8. Swanepoel 34pts
9. Bill 33pts,
10.De Reuver 30pts