/ 25 June 2002

Grand Prix world No 2 tests positive for banned drug

New Zealand rider Joshua Coppins tested six times over the limit for the stimulant pseudo-ephedrine after the Austrian 250cc Grand Prix on June 9, the International Federation of Motorcycling (FIM)

announced on Tuesday.

A urine sample taken from Coppins, currently second in the World Championship rankings, showed up 157 microgrammes per millilitre of the anabolic steroid, with an allowed limit set at 25 microgrammes/ml.

Coppins, who gave up his right for a second test, will have his case heard in the coming days.

He could face a suspension of up to six months. – Sapa-AFP