KEY POINTS:
New Zealand riders Josh Coppins, Cody Cooper and Scott Columb combined to finish eighth in the Motocross of Nations at Donnington Park in England today.
The trio were consistent but couldn't produce the podium finishes needed in the three races to head off the likes of the United States, who won the annual event for the 19th time.
The best perfomance came in race two from open class rider Cooper, who was the early leader in wet conditions before dropping back to a fourth-place finish.
MX1 rider Coppins was sixth in race three and seventh in race one. However, MX2 rider Columb struggled, finishing 25th and 38th in his two races.
The US team comprised MX1 specialist James Stewart, MX2 rider Ryan Villopoto and open rider Tim Verry.
France was second, with Sebastien Pourcel snatching the MX1 overall prize.
Motocross of Nations results
Heat one: James Stewart (USA, Kawasaki) 35:25.692, Sebastien Pourcel (France, Kawasaki) +0:21.030 2, David Philippaerts (Italy, Yamaha) +0:33.076 3, Jonathan Barragan (Spain, KTM) +0:35.481 4, Julien Bill (Switzerland, Honda) +0:44.913 5. Also: JOSH COPPINS (NZ, Yamaha) 7, SCOTT COLUMB (NZ, 25)
Heat two: Ryan Villopoto (USA, Kawasaki) 36:14.798 2, Steve Ramon (Belgium, Suzuki) +0:24.632 2, Tommy Searle (Great Britain, KTM) +0:25.490 3, CODY COOPER (NZ, Suzuki) +0:27.281 4, Alex Salvini (ITA Suzuki) +0:39.243 5. Also: COLUMB 38
Heat three: Pourcel 35:55.949 1, Tanel Leok (Estonia, Kawasaki) +0:05.763 2, Maximilian Nagl (Germany, KTM) +0:26.044 3, Ken de Dycker (Belgium, Suzuki) +0:37.085 4, Tim Ferry (USA Kawasaki) +0:40.251 5. Also: COPPINS 6, COOPER 21
Overall classification: USA 1, France 2, Belgium 3, Great Britain 4, Italy 5. Also: NZ 8
- NZPA
