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It features the Kiwi`s latest news, pictures, profile etc.
COPPINS EYES 2004 WORLD CROWN:
Kiwi motocross ace Josh Coppins faces 16 grand prix events next year as he
re-ignites his challenge for the world title.
Sidelined by serious injury this year, the Motueka-born 26-year-old is now
returning to the form which took him to world runner-up spot in the world\'s
glamour class in 2002.
In another shake-up of world racing the championship will head beyond
mainland Europe to England, Ireland and South Africa next year, under a
calendar just released.
The premier class, now called MX1, will revert to two moto races at each GP.
\"That suits me,\" commented Coppins, veteran of nine years in the world
championship.
\"I always did better when we had that format in the past, probably because
I train harder than other riders.
\"It\'s possible for a guy to shine over one 40-minute moto, especially if he
gets a good start, but when you have to go out and do it all over again an
hour or two later it sorts out the ones who have put in the work.\"
Coppins is now recuperating from the latest operation to the ankle he
broke, along with both feet and his spine, in a horrific crash last January.
\"The Belgian surgeon has removed some of the metal that was getting in the
way in there, and cleaned up the joint trying to promote cartilage repair,\"
said the Honda factory rider.
Next season will mark Coppins\' shift to a four-stroke racebike, the Honda
CRF450R, after nine years on two-strokes.
\"I raced the 450 at a couple of big events at the end of this season and
I\'ve adapted really quickly,\" he explained.
\"Our class was opened up to 450 four-strokes against our old 250
two-strokes this year and the bigger bikes have generally been more
successful.
\"I enjoy the feel of the 450 and especially its torque right through the
power range.
\"We have a lot of development and testing to do on the new 2004 model and
I\'m looking forward to getting stuck into that once I\'m back to fitness,\"
added the rider known on the international circuit as Lizzard.
Coppins\' World MX1 Championship calendar 2004:
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)
