Paul DeCouto helped himself to the ideal birthday gift during last weekend’s Championship Cup Series event at Miami International Raceway, a place on the podium.The Bermudian motorcycle racer celebrated his 42nd birthday in Florida with a third-place finish in the Expert Unlimited Supersport class.DeCouto originally placed fourth in the six-lap race but was bumped up the leaderboard after AMA pro rider Geoff May was disqualified for violating class regulations.The cycle mechanic said he had felt confident of doing well in the Expert Unlimited Supersport class going into the race.“This race is one that I stood a chance in being there with tyre and engine modification restrictions and I would be competing with bikes that were more comparable to mine,” he said.DeCouto missed out on securing a podium finish when he lost a drag race to the finish line for third but could not believe his luck when he learned of the misfortune of his disqualified rival.“I would have settled for fourth place. I was happy with this result I worked hard for,” he said. “But after I had returned to my pit area a race official approached me to let me know that Geoff had been disqualified due to his bike not being compliant to Supersport specifications so I had been awarded third place.”Overall, DeCouto chalked up last weekend’s event in Florida as a success.“All in all I had a great weekend. I scored a podium finish, didn’t crash, met some really cool people and got to spend my birthday doing what I love to do best . . . racing motorcycles,” he said.Last weekend’s visit to Florida wasn’t all about racing for DeCouto, who also had the opportunity to share his expertise with up and coming riders at the Penguin Roadracing School.“As I have coached for Penguin Roadracing School before I had a few of the advanced school students ask for personal coaching from me,” DeCouto said. “It is very rewarding to see these riders ride faster and safer with the assistance, advice and critiquing of the instructors and coaches. I am very proud to be a part of their team.”The Cycle Care co-owner will now take a short break before returning to Miami International Raceway to compete next February with the intentions of building on his most recent success at this level.“I have rectified some major issues with my bike, got some valuable track time with some top level riders and I know what I need to be more competitive in February, more horsepower,” he said.