Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

- Round 11 MOTOCROSS Stefan Everts (72), Josh'Coppins (5) and Steve Ramon (11) filled out the MX1 podium in both motas, July 17,2005 FIM World MXI/MX2 Motocross Championship Series • osh Coppins was given the Grand Prix of South Africa victory from series leader and defending MX I Champion Stefan Everts. In one of the most dramatic races in recent history, Coppins won both races in e MX I class, although he was very lucky. Nearing the end of the second moto, Coppins trailed series leader Everts and needed the moto win to take the GP. With less than a lap remaining, Everts had a small crash, which cost him a sure win. As a result, he was forced to settle for second overall with 2-2 results. Confusion reigned, as the flag marshals didn't see Everts crash and failed to give Coppins the checkered flag when he crossed the line. Coppins went on to do an extra lap, but it was obvious to many that the Kiwi had won the race and the overall. Coppins felt lucky to win but was glad to gain some points on Everts. "I was pretty lucky to win today," Coppins said. "Of course, it is always good to win, but it is not nice winning like that. But I will take it. 'The opening moto was my best race in my career," Coppins continued. "I beat Stefan [Everts] because I was the best. The team has been working hard, and I can ride the bike how I want. I have a lot of confidence in the team and myself, plus my starts are good. I didn't take the holeshot, but I was right up front. I was struggling in the second race, and it is an important time in the championship, and I want to show Stefan that I want to race for this championship and not lay down. He is making a lot of mistakes, and I want to win as many races as possible. I wanted to win, but I struggled a little, and Stefan got away from me. "I didn't get the checkered flag, and they were waiting for Stefan," Coppins added. "They didn't realize that he had crashed. When I passed Stefan, I was not sure it was him. I looked twice because I thought it might have been [Brian] Jorgensen." Finishing in second place was the Belgian Everts. The eight-time World Champion had only himself to blame, but he didn't take any credit away from 28 JULY 27,2005 • CYCLE NEWS Coppins, who had ridden a brilliant race for the victory. Everts has now gone winless for more than a month and is even struggling to win a moto as of late. "I am really unhappy with this," Everts said. "I made a stupid crash on the last lap and had a problem with the front brake. I had beaten Josh [Coppins] and I deserved the victory today. "In the first moto, I had more problems with the lappers - they seem to be a hassle at every GP. But Josh rode really well," Everts said. "I hope that I can win in Belgium, because I wanted it really badly here." Third-placed Steve Ramon was happy to return to the podium. He had not made the top three in some time and, with a new contract on the table for 2006, the KTM factory rider is in serious need of some good results in the coming weeks. "My start was good in the first moto, but I went wide in the sand and lost a place and then mistimed the tabletop, and a few more people went past me," Ramon said. "I could not find a good rhythm for the first 10 minutes and saw that Stefan and Josh were long gone. Ben [Townley] had a crash, and it was great to get third, because it set up a possible good result. 'The second race was similar," Ramon continued. "My start was better, but again it took me time to find the speed and the good lines. At one stage, I was fourth and I was thinking, 'Another podium missed.' But I had a good feeling on the bike, and then Ben made another crash. On the last lap, I was waiting for something else to go wrong. It is my first podium of the season, and it has taken a long time to come." In the MX2 class, it was KTM factory rider David Philippaerts who showed great speed in Sun City, overcoming a hard battle with fellow Italian riders Antonio Cairoli and Alessio Chiodi. It was the second Grand Prix victory of his career, having taken his first in France a few weeks ago. ''Actually, it was not easy," Philippaerts said. "I wanted to overtake the leader too early, and, when he was behind me, he learned my lines and repassed me. I was

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