New Zealand motocross ace Josh Coppins enters this weekend's fourth round of the world 250cc championship buoyed by success in a non-title event last weekend.
The 23-year-old from Motueka outgunned his Suzuki senior team-mate Mickael Pichon, leader of the world title chase, to grab a flying second spot in a prominent French event.
In mud and rocks at Thomerlesang, west of Paris, Coppins was bettered only by international motocross legend Joel Smets.
He did, however, beat the 500cc star in one leg.
Coppins took third, first and second placings to Smets' 1-2-1 while Pichon managed 4-3-3 for third overall.
"It was great therapy ahead of this weekend's round in Italy," Coppins said. "I'm continuing to climb in the championship points standings and I know now I can foot it with these top riders."
Coppins goes to Italy sixth in the 250 rankings, climbing from 12th after round one where he had a fall.
"My overall aim is to be in the top five at the end of the season - Suzuki has made it clear they will regard that as a success for my first year in the team," Coppins said.
Frenchman Pichon, seasoned veteran of the world champs, holds a healthy lead as the widely followed circus heads to Mantova in northern Italy, while Coppins is just a couple of points away from fifth spot.
The 1.95km circuit of hard-packed sand will test the best over two legs.
The championship continues over 16 rounds, ending in September.
- NZPA
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