New Zealand rider Josh Coppins will learn the extent of a shoulder injury today when he undergoes a scan in Belgium. Coppins, a leading contender for the world MX1 motocross championship crown after finishing third last year, was racing at the Hawkstone Park international race in England at the weekend whenhe crashed and dislocated a shoulder. "Josh said the injury wasn't painful at the moment," his manager Glen Dempsey told NZPA . "He's been checked and X-rays taken, but we won't know the extent of the injury until an MRI scan is done by Belgium specialist Dr Toon Claes," Dempsey said. Coppins, who will lead the British CAS Honda team, was in good spirits despite the crash. Dempsey, who spent time in New Zealand over Christmas and New Year ? he also manages world MX2 champion Ben Townley ? said he was anticipating a higher level of performance from Coppins this year. "He is in better shape in all aspects this year than at the same time last year." Coppins, 27, now had the confidence he is a genuine world title contender after scoring his first world championship round win at the British Grand Prix last year. "He realises now he has the tools to fulfil his potential and has been working hard over the (northern) winter break." Coppins, who won an international race in France last week, had demanded CAS Honda field a two-rider team this year instead of three so as to have more resources behind him. The team had also moved their base from England to Belgium, where Coppins has based himself. "These were some of the stipulations before he signed his contract with CAS Honda and we are already seeing the results of these changes because the team are looking stronger," Dempsey said. The world championship begins on April 3 with the Flanders grand prix at the Zolder, Belgium. - NZPA
