Coppins worthy challenger for Everts

The MX1 world title has been decided at the GP of Lierop. New Zealand’s Josh Coppins was a worthy challenger for Stefan Everts however the Belgian deservedly won his ninth world title on what riders called the most demanding and treacherous sand circuit in the world. Coppins has secured second place in the championship and was one of the major threats to Everts with his consistency and two consecutive GP victory sweeps.

The starter signalled for the start of the first race and under clear blue skies and extremely warm temperatures the MX1 riders dashed for the first turn. Coppins was not in his usual top three starting position and had some work to do to move his way up the standings. He managed to break into a podium spot but had lost touch to leaders Ramon and Everts. All he could achieve was secure third spot.

Coppins went into the second heat knowing that all that was left to do was to give 100%. Everts was once again out front and “Lizzard” was back in fourth. The CAS Honda pushed as hard as it could but Townley, Everts and Ramon were making time on Coppins. The Kiwi rode his own race and crossed the finish line in fourth which would give him fourth overall for the GP.

“It’s been a tough weekend. This is the most demanding track I’ve ever ridden in my life. Stefan deserves the championship and I think I deserve second – I’ve fought all the way and never gave up in fact I still haven’t given up. There is still another year next year. I’ve never been a good sand rider but today was promising. The bike was working really well and I think we had a good weekend and a year we can be proud of as a team,” said a modest Coppins



MX1

Race 1

1 Everts Stefan, Bel, Yamaha, 40:30.657
2 Ramon Steve, Bel, Ktm, 40:43.811
3 Coppins Joshua, Nzl, Honda, 41:10.522
4 Townley Ben, Nzl, Ktm, 41:30.562
5 Strijbos Kevin, Bel, Suzuki, 41:32.790
6 Vehvilainen Jussi, Fin, Honda, 41:35.193
7 Theybers Danny, Bel, Suzuki, 41:36.938
8 Jorgensen Brian, Den, Yamaha, 41:46.983
9 Barragan Jonathan, Spa, Ktm, 42:33.876
10 De Dijcker Ken, Bel, Honda, 40:33.888
11 Pyrhonen Antti , Fin, Tm, 40:40.949
12 Freibergs Lauris, Lat, Suzuki, 40:47.848
13 Priem Manuel, Bel, Yamaha, 40:49.802
14 Norlen Marcus, Swe, Suzuki, 41:13.415
15 Van Wessel Willie, Ned, Honda, 41:18.977

Race 2

1 Everts Stefan, Bel, Yamaha, 41:35.060
2 Townley Ben, Nzl, Ktm, 42:12.886
3 Ramon Steve, Bel, Ktm, 42:16.389
4 Coppins Joshua, Nzl, Honda, 42:20.885
5 Barragan Jonathan, Spa, Ktm, 43:18.048
6 Priem Manuel, Bel, Yamaha, 43:47.771
7 Vehvilainen Jussi, Fin, Honda, 43:58.648
8 Strijbos Kevin, Bel, Suzuki, 41:37.798
9 Verhoeven Bas, Ned, Honda, 41:48.585
10 Theybers Danny, Bel, Suzuki, 41:50.866
11 Pyrhonen Antti , Fin, Tm, 42:07.716
12 Atsuta Yoshitaka, Jpn, Suzuki, 42:20.723
13 Gundersen Kenneth , Nor, Ktm, 42:21.894
14 De Dijcker Ken, Bel, Honda, 43:20.532
15 Freibergs Lauris, Lat, Suzuki, 43:22.542

MX1 World Championship standings

1 Everts Stefan, Bel, Yamaha, 671 points
2 Coppins Joshua, Nzl, Honda, 614 points
3 Townley Ben, Nzl, Ktm, 545 points
4 Ramon Steve, Bel, Ktm, 465 points
5 Pichon Mickael, Fra, Honda, 446 points
6 Smets Joel, Bel, Suzuki, 385 points
7 Leuret Pascal, Fra, Honda, 296 points
8 De Dijcker Ken, Bel, Honda, 292 points
9 Barragan Jonathan, Spa, Ktm, 284 points
10 Noble James, Gbr, Honda, 282 points
11 Leok Tanel, Est, Kawasaki, 268 points
12 Theybers Danny, Bel, Suzuki, 267 points
13 Jorgensen Brian, Den, Yamaha, 262 points
14 Atsuta Yoshitaka, Jpn, Suzuki, 209 points
15 Pyrhonen Antti, Fin, Tm, 206 points