Coppins Vs Hughes!
24-10-2007
With the 2007 Oceania Motocross Championships descending upon Barrabool, Geelong
this weekend (Oct 27-28), the bitter sweet rivalry between Australia, New Zealand
and the USA is beginning to surface and the riders are certainly not coy about
it. For three consecutive years, the trophy has remained on Australia’s
shores, yet it is New Zealander Josh Coppins and California’s Ryan Hughes
who have made it clear that this year, they are in it to win it.
Ryan “Ryno” Hughes of Temecula, California is the pride and joy of the Suzuki team and is a three time member of the US Motocross des Nations team, alongside the legendary Ricky Carmichael, a remarkable feat for the 34 year old. Perhaps it is credentials such as these that allows for the American’s confidence in taking on New Zealand and Australia for the Oceania title.
“Aussies and Kiwis might like to beat Americans, but we Americans like to beat everybody”, claims Hughes, “I’m coming down there to win!”
However New Zealander, Josh Coppins is not about to take this declaration sitting down. The 30 year old Kiwi has more than a few victories to his name which makes his contention with Hughes a sight to be seen. Coppins has finished in the top three of the last 5 premier class World Championships so is a worthy ambassador for the Yamaha Motocross Team and a very possible contender for this weekend’s event, despite this dismissal from Hughes.
Although Coppins and Hughes have gone head to head before in Europe, Coppins is assured he has since improved his riding considerably.
“I think I am a much better rider than when we last raced together. I am confident but in saying that, he is a very tough competitor!” admits the humble Kiwi.
“I love racing in Australia as it’s kind of like a home race for me. The Aussie riders are all great but they haven’t beaten me before and I plan to try and keep it that way”.
Coppins is making a considerable effort to make sure New Zealand has every chance of winning the title at the Oceania Championships and will arrive after sessions in Italy, Belgium, his current residence, and New Zealand before landing on Australia’s shores.
Although the battle between Hughes and Coppins is at the forefront of the competition, Australia has announced a star studded team including National Motocross and Supercross champion Craig Anderson in the Pro Open event, joined by Pro Lites champion Jake Moss, legendary junior rider, Tye Simmons, as well as top female MX champ, Kristy Gillespie, all of whom would want to be looked out for by the other competitors!
Event Details
Date: Saturday and Sunday October 27 and 28, 2007.
Time: Gates open daily at 8:30 am
Location: Barrabool track. Follow the signs from Geelong
Ticket Details
Tickets for the IOMXC are on sale at the gate.
Sunday: Two Day: |
Saturday: Child =
10 and under, 5 and under free. |
The full rider list for the International Oceania Motocross Championships
can be viewed here.
