The second round of the FIM Motocross World championship saw close to 20,000 spectators turn out for the GP of Lombardia in Italy. Factory Aprilia racer, Josh Coppins, got off to a rough start when he collided with Frenchman Greg Aranada in mid air and was lucky to escape without any serious injuries during the Saturday qualifying race. Despite the huge crash Coppins still managed to nurse his mangled machine to 24th place.
With weather conditions much cooler for Sunday’s GP, Coppins rolled onto the start line bruised and stiff. Being placed on a wide gate resulted in a poor start, but things got worse as another crash left Coppins on the deck and in 33rd position. Pushing hard ‘Lizzard’ salvaged 17th spot by the end of a grueling moto.
Rough track conditions made for a difficult final race however Coppins grabbed a great start and was placed inside the top ten. Battling back and forth with some of the competition, Coppins lost some ground at the mid-way point, but with just ten minutes left on the clock he put in a last minute charge and salvaged a few positions to cross the finish line in 11th position.
“The weekend started off with a scare. Aranda got cross rutted on the take off and came across me in mid air and we hit the ground really hard. I was lucky to get away with only a few bruises and a slight concussion. Considering the poor gate pick, and related starts, I was relatively happy with the results, but if I am totally honest I will be happy to forget this GP.”
Coppins now sits equal 10/9 in the championship with Sebastie Pourcel.
The GP teams will be afforded a week’s break before round 3 takes place in Valkenswaard on the 24th -25th of April
