Josh Jack ( KTM ), from Helensville , rounded out the top five in this class , further illustrating the international calibre of this MX1 field . These results may offer a clue to which individuals might be battling for the silverware at the big annual New Zealand Motocross Grand Prix at Woodville in late January or when the nationals kick off in the South Island in February . “ It ’ s a great way to start the season . I had no problems physically and this is after having done the least ever amount of pre-season training ,” Cooper said . “ I guess everyone else is the same boat , with having their routines disrupted by the pandemic , but I felt the best I ever have at this event . It ’ s true I had strung together a series
of better race starts at this event in the past , so I do have some work still to do , but I got the starts nailed that I needed to today . “ Max [ Purvis ] is riding well , you know , and so I feel it might have been a little bit unexpected for me to win here today . He was about four seconds a lap faster than me in practice . Maybe my experience gave me an edge where I needed it . “ I ’ m very happy with the bike and really gelling with it . Everything is dialled in to the way I like it . Just got to test a few minor things now . “ I ’ m looking ahead to the rest of the season ,” said Cooper , further emphasising just how remarkable was this “ old man ’ s ” achievement in winning at Taupo against all the rising young stars of the sport .
28 KIWI RIDER