New Zealand ruled the motocross world today as Josh Coppins and Ben Townley went 1-2 at the Swedish grand prix and Katherine Prumm finished second in the Women's World Cup.
And it was 1-2-3 across the Tasman as Daryl Hurley won the Australian MX1 title at Conondale in Queensland, with
defending champion Darryll King second and his brother Shayne third.
Coppins and Townley's performance at Uddevalla continued a remarkable sequence of New Zealand domination in the world MX1 championship since the British grand prix one month ago, the last time defending champion and championship leader Stefan Everts, of Belgium, topped the podium.
Everts, who finished third today, has been totally shut out with the last six heat wins going to Townley -- four in succession in Italy and France -- and Coppins' double wins in Sweden today.
The results kept Coppins and Townley second and third, on 366 points and 346 respectively, in the world championship but closing the gap on Everts.
However, Everts, an eight-time world champion, is on 411 points and in no immediate danger of losing his leader's red racing plate.
Prumm, 17, a Pukekohe High School student making her world debut, finished second overall in the inaugural women's World Cup at the same venue dominated by Coppins and Townley.
She was second in both races behind German Stephanie Laier.
For Coppins, it marked his second career grand prix win in 11 years on the world championship trail, after his British grand prix win last year.
"It was great to have another Kiwi 1-2 and this was topped off with Katherine finishing second in the World Cup," Coppins told NZPA from Uddevalla.
Coppins said he took inspiration from Townley's double heat wins in Italy and France in recent weeks and was determined to match his best friend.
"I thought about the fact Ben had taken a couple of 1-1 results and I thought if he can do it, then so can I. It can't be that difficult.
"I had won the second moto of GP races before, but never the first, so this was a nice thing for me.
"I also knew it was important not to crack under pressure in that first heat when Ben was behind me."
A crowd of more than 30,000 was on its feet in the closing stages of the first heat as Townley clawed back a deficit to Coppins and the duo engaged in a thrilling tussle, with the senior New Zealander holding off Townley's attempts to pass.
The second moto was all Coppins as he made a good start and led from start to finish.
He built an eight-second lead at one stage -- and even had time to pick up his bike from a fall near the end and still retain the lead.
Coppins told NZPA that despite his poor start to the season, and Everts holding a big lead, he was not yet out of the title race.
"I know Stefan is in a slump and he is vulnerable, so I have to keep pushing on and keep the pressure on him."
Townley, who won the Swedish 125cc GP in 2002 and the 250cc MX2 grand prix in 2004, said he did his best today.
"Josh was awesome today and I'm really happy he won."
Townley's plan for the seven grands prix to come remained to win as many races as he could.
"I have lost ground to Josh in the battle for second place although I've gained a little on Stefan, so I have to aim to win as many races as possible."
The next round will be in South Africa on July 17.
- NZPA
New Zealand ruled the motocross world today as Josh Coppins and Ben Townley went 1-2 at the Swedish grand prix and Katherine Prumm finished second in the Women's World Cup.
And it was 1-2-3 across the Tasman as Daryl Hurley won the Australian MX1 title at Conondale in Queensland, with
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