KEY POINTS:
New Zealand rider Josh Coppins remained third in the world MX1 motocross championship after this morning's (NZtime) Belgian grand prix but closed the gap on the frontrunners.
Coppins finished seventh overall with fifth and eighth placings in the two heats to close in on the title lead from 23 points to 17.
It was the third consecutive grand prix that Coppins had missed out on a podium placing since winning the German grand prix at the end of June.
The day's action saw defending champion Steve Ramon, of Belgium, take the championship lead from long-time leader David Philippaerts.
Italy's Philippaerts, Coppins' teammate, finished ninth overall as the Yamaha team struggled in the 11th round of the championship.
Ramon's fifth overall was enough to see him move to 362 points and edge into a two-point lead over Philippaerts.
There are four rounds of the championship left. The next round is the Czech Republic's grand prix at Loket this weekend.
Leading world MX1 motocross championship standings after round 11 in Belgium:
Steve Ramon (Belgium, Suzuki) 362 points 1, David Philippaerts (Italy, Yamaha) 360 2, JOSH COPPINS (NZ, Yamaha) 345 3, Ken de Dycker (Belgium, Suzuki) 336 4, Jonathan Barragan (Spain, KTM) 331 5.
- NZPA
