MOTORBIKES: Tough race for Coates in Jerez

A crash in practice at the Spanish track on Saturday took its toll and although he was in a points scoring position in the early stages, he eventually finished 20th in a tough race.

“It was not a good race for me,” Coates admitted. “In the first couple of laps I felt fine but I couldn’t keep up with the frontmen.

“I tried to push but lost a lot of time in a couple corners, so I found it difficult to stay with them or make up the difference. In the last laps I had pains in the shoulder and elbow resulting from yesterday’s crash.

“I really thought I could have gone better, but it has been a difficult weekend. I am already looking forward to the final race of the series in Valencia in a couple of weeks’ time.”

Meanwhile, one of the biggest motorcycle events ever takes place this weekend in Valencia when the MotoGP world title will be decided between Movistar Yamaha team-mates Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.

Whatever the outcome on Sunday, it certainly is never dull when Rossi is involved.

If Lorenzo manages to take the title, local Yamaha race technician Ian Gilpin, who is from Ballyclare, will have something to celebrate as he has been by the Spaniard’s side throughout this amazing season.