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Visit Josh @ his JoshCoppins.Com: Website.
It features the Kiwi`s latest news, pictures, profile etc.
COPPINS TRAINS IN ITALY
Kiwi-born motocross star Josh Coppins is in Italy preparing for his all-out
assault on this year\'s world title.
Former runner-up in the world glamour class, the 26-year-old expat holds
New Zealand\'s hopes in his hands.
No kiwi has ever won the premier motocross category, the former 250 class
now known as MX1. Coppins is the nation\'s only contender, having raced the
class since he first headed to Europe nine years ago to chase his world
championship dream in the gruelling sport.
Two years ago Coppins climbed as high as second but just as he was poised
to take the final step he was sidelined last year by career-threatening
injuries after a huge crash in America.
Now he is coming back to his best on his factory Honda, the new four-stroke
CRF450.
\"I picked up the 2004 bike in England, and headed straight down here to
Italy,\" commented Motueka-born Coppins.
\"I have virtually a grand prix-standard training circuit here in Tuscany
where my mechanic is from. The weather is not too bad for mid-winter, so
we\'ll spend a few weeks here.
\"We are working on the set-up and development on the new bike, plus of
course it\'s invaluable riding time for me. And I\'m continuing to build up
my fitness and strength in the gym and with cycling and so on,\" added the
rider known as Lizzard.
Coppins plans to compete in a few non-title races prior to round one of
16-event world championship in March.
Coppins\' Grand Prix calendar:
21 March: Zolder (Belgium) - GP Flanders
28 March: Bellpuig (Spain)
4 April: Agueda (Portugal)
25 April: Valkenswaard (The Netherlands) - GP Benelux
2 May: Teutschenthal (Germany)
16 May: Neeroeteeren (Belgium)
30 May: Arreton, Isle of Wight (Great-Britain)
6 June: St Jean d\'Angely (France)
13 June: Gallarate (Italy)
27 June: Lichtenvoorde (The Netherlands)
4 July: Uddevalla (Sweden)
1 August: Loket (Czech Republic)
8 August: Namur (Belgium) - GP Wallonie
29 August: Gaildorf (Germany) - GP Europe
11 September: Ballykelly (Ireland)
26 September: Sun City (South Africa)
also
3 October: Motocross of Nations, Lierop (The Netherlands)
Footnote:
New Zealand\'s only world motocross title was in the 500 class, won by
Shayne King in 1996. Coppins\' second in 2002 is New Zealand\'s highest
placing in the glamour class.
Ian RJ Miles
