CDR Yamaha's Josh Coppins says Wanneroo is as tough as anywhere. Image: Adam Riemann.

New Zealander Josh Coppins has declared Wanneroo as one of the toughest sand tracks in the world following his epic MX1 victory in the Monster Energy MX Nationals on Sunday.

The experienced former world number two was a sight to see in the rough sands of Western Australia, winning overall with 1-2-1 finishes in the trio of premier class motos.

“It was heavier than I thought, I mean I knew it was going to be sandy, but it was a little bit sandier than I anticipated,” Coppins told MotoOnline in an exclusive interview.

“Australians talk about sand and usually talk about tracks like Coolum and whatnot, but that’s not really European sand. This track in WA was proper sand, as sandy as it gets in Europe.”

After living in Belgium during his GP career, right near the iconic Lommel circuit, Coppins confirmed that Wanneroo is every bit as gruelling as Lommel.

“It’s as tough as Lommel, that’s for sure,” he said. “I didn’t expect that, but it was still a fun track and the club did a great job.”

Coppins enjoyed a breakthrough opening moto win in WA on Sunday, which marked a milestone of sorts as his first opening moto win since joining CDR Yamaha at the beginning of last year.

“That’s my first opening moto win since riding for CDR – I’d never won one before,” he added. “I’d always started off a bit slow, so that was a good milestone for me.”

Click here to check out the complete interview with Coppins posted yesterday right here on MotoOnline.com.au.