KEY POINTS:
New Zealand rider Josh Coppins began his build-up to this year's MX1 motocross world championship with a second placing at an international motocross event in Mantova, Italy.
Coppins took a seventh and two fourths from the three heats.
The event on Sunday was won by his Rinaldi Yamaha teammate David Philippaerts who placed second, first and third.
Coppins also finished second in the one-on-one challenge, losing to Estonia's Tanel Leok in the final match.
This event sees two riders go head to head for a one-lap knockout system until the two fastest men are left to battle in the grand final.
"It's been a tough weekend really," Coppins said.
"I had a pretty hard crash on Saturday and saw a few stars but was happy with my times up to that point.
"I didn't enjoy the track but this has been my best Mantova finish ever so I'll take it."
Coppins is scheduled to race a round of the Italian championship in Montevarchi next weekend.
- NZPA
