Dissatisfied New Zealander Josh Coppins held on to to third place in the world motorcross championship after a mixed outing in the Bulgarian MX1 grand prix at Sevlievo this morning (NZ time).
Coppins picked up fourth and seventh placings to be sixth overall in the fourth-round event, accumulating32 points.
However, championship leader David Philippaerts of Italy was able to extend his advantage by winning the first race and placing second in the second.
Motueka rider Coppins regretted poor starts in both races, battling difficult track conditions due to rain.
He hovered around fouth through most of the 20-lap first race but in the second made a dreadful start to be 12th after the first lap. He gradually worked his way through the field from there, picking up five places but still finished 44 seconds behind French winner Sebastien Pourcel.
Bulgarian MX1 GP results
David Philippaerts (Italy, Yamaha) 47pts 1, Jonathan Barragan (Spain, KTM) 40 2, Sebastien Pourcel (France, Kawasaki) 38 3, Steve Ramon (Belgium, Suzuki) 36 4, Marc de Reuver (Netherlands, Honda) 36 4, JOSH COPPINS (NZ, Yamaha) 32 6
World MX1 standings
Philippaerts 149pts 1, Ramon 132 2, COPPINS 115 3, Billy Mackenzie (Britain, Honda) 100 4, Ken de Dycker (Belgium, Suzuki) 98 5.
