INTERNATIONAL INVITATION INDOOR TRIAL 2
SHEFFIELD, GREAT BRITAIN
SATURDAY 08/01/11

Dougie Lampkin - Gas Gas was unable to impress on his debut performance aboard his new Spanish machine as a series of technical problems prevented the veteran campaigner making it through to the final. In front of several thousand home fans the thirty-four year old trials legend battled hard during the opening lap that proved much more difficult than had first been predicted. Lampkin knew he was in for a real fight as the ex multi FIM Trial World Champion fell heavily towards the end of his first ever section riding a Gas Gas. It was hardly the start Dougie needed, especially on a hazard that proved to be one of the easier tests on what was a high scoring affair.
Looking to ride his way back into contention Dougie showed great courage as he was the first rider to successfully complete the huge leap in the oil bottle section, although a rear wheel puncture later in the same hazard spoilt what could have been a faultless attempt. Lampkin knew he needed a good showing on the maze of logs, but once again came unstuck with the ends cards in sight. Another maximum on the large white boxes signalled that Dougie was now on the ropes and only a miraculous effort on the massive skip section could prevent him being elimated.

Safely up the first step Dougie was back in control of his own destiny momentarily, however as he jumped his factory Gas Gas back down to the arena floor ready for the next part of the hazard it was soon apparent that he had just suffered his second puncture of the evening. Whilst severely handicapped by his flat back tyre Dougie still gave it his all, however his efforts were not rewarded as another five marks were added to his tally.



Despite winning his head to head race against compatriot Alexz Wigg, Dougie still failed to qualify for the final, as a single mark saw Takahisa Fujinami steal the last spot in the main event. Obviously disappointed with his showing, Lampkin bid a warm farewell to his many fans, before being forced to watch the rest of the proceedings as a frustrated spectator.

A dejected Dougie explained. "I have had a lot of great nights inside this arena, but tonight was not one of them. Obviously I was slightly nervous after having only had a very limited time on the bike before this event, and especially as it has been nearly a year since I rode these type of sections."



"I just needed a bit of luck out there tonight to at least give myself a chance, but as it turned out I had no luck at all, with two punctures in five sections. To lose out by just one mark is really fustrating as with a bit more luck I would have at least made it through to the final. Although I am far from happy with my performance tonight, it is not the end of the World as I can now concentrate on being ready for the start of the outdoor trial World championship later in the year, after the next few enduro events."

"Once again I want to thank everyone for their incredible support as the crowd certainly gave me a warm welcome and tried to urge me through each section. Hopefully I can give them something to cheer about later in the season." Ended Lampkin


Results:



Final:
1: Bou 2, 2: Raga 15, 3: Fujinami 21, 4: Dabill 29, 5: Brown 30, 6: Challoner 37

Qualifiers:
1: Toni Bou - SPA - Montesa 13 , 2 James Dabill - GBR - Beta 13, 3: Adam Raga - SPA - Gas Gas 18, 
4: Jack Challoner - GBR - Beta 19, 5: Michael Brown - Gas Gas 21, 6: Takahisa Fujinami - Montesa 22

Eliminated:
7 : Dougie Lampkin - GBR - Gas Gas 23, 8: Alexz Wigg - GBR - Sherco 30