KEY POINTS:
New Zealand's Josh Coppins produced another gutsy performance at the Portuguese MX1 grand prix this morning (NZ time) to secure his first podium finish after three rounds of the world motocross championship.
Coppins finished third overall behind France's Sebastien Pourcel and his Yamaha teammate David Philippaerts, after coming fifth in the opening race and third in the second, both times besting defending champion Steve Ramon of Belgium.
The Motueka rider is still to regain full fitness after breaking two toes in his right foot in pre-season training, moves up to third in the standings on 83 points from fourth.
He is 19 points behind leader Philippaerts of Italy but closing in on Ramon who is second on 96.
Coppins said it has been a tough start to the season as he recovers from injury and doesn't have the speed he needs although he is consistent.
In sweltering conditions at the Agueda circuit, Coppins fought off a challenge from Ramon in race one before launching a challenge for fourth but was unable to overhaul Scotsman Billy MacKenzie at the finish.
The New Zealander, riding at a steady pace, settled into fifth early in the second race behind Ramon but as the heat took its toll, spotted his chance.
With MacKenzie spilling out of the race as he fought Pourcel for the lead, Coppins began to pick up his pace as the riders in front began to slow.
He closed in on Ramon with two laps to go and when the Belgian let up his guard in the last turn before the chequered flag, Coppins pounced to snatch third place and a spot on the podium.
"I could see Steve was fading and I put in some extra effort to catch him on the last lap," Coppins said.
" He went wide and so I took the inside and made the pass right on the finish line.
"It's been a tough start to the season and I don't have the speed at the moment. All I have is consistency and I need to patient which is very hard at this time as I want to win."
The next round is in Bulgaria on May 10-11 giving Coppins some breathing space to regain race fitness.
Leading overall results from the Portuguese MX1 grand prix at Agueda this morning:
Sebastien Pourcel (France, Kawasaki) 1, David Philippaerts (Italy, Yamaha) 2, JOSH COPPINS (NZ, Yamaha) 3.
World MX1 championship standings after three rounds: Philippaerts 102 points 1, Steve Ramon (Belgium, Suzuki) 96 2, COPPINS 83 3, Billy Mackenzie (Britain, Honda) 79 5, Ken de Dycker (Belgium, Suzuki) 77 5.
- NZPA
