GP News: Coppins to miss another week; risks title

New Zealand’s Josh Coppins has opted to sit out another round of the 450 World Championship this weekend, putting his series lead in further jeopardy. Coppins’ pursuit of his first world title hit a speed bump last month in the Czech Republic when he crashed and broke his shoulder blade. He received minimal points in that round and was forced out of 12th of 15 rounds in Belgium a week later. His recovery hasn’t gone as smoothly as hoped, ruling him out of this week’s event in Northern Ireland.

With a maximum of 50 points on offer to riders this weekend, Coppins could lose the lead he has held since the opening round in April. It would lead to a dramatic end to the championship over the final two rounds – at England’s Donington Park on August 26 and the Lierop track in the Netherlands.

Coppins leads the 450 championship on 446 points, followed by Belgian Steve Ramon (402 points), Frenchman Sebastien Pourcel (362) and Italian David Philippaerts (351).