2011 SPEA FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
ROUND 2 - BREAL-SOUS-MONTFORD, FRANCE
SATURDAY 21/05/11
Ex multi FIM Trial World Champion Dougie Lampkin - Gas Gas failed to start today's French GP due to the ankle injury that he sustained during the recent Scottish Six Days Trial. Although Lampkin bravely rode at the opening round in Germany last Sunday, the sheer severity of the French sections meant that Dougie decided not to ride in order to prevent further damage to his already stretched ligaments.
This was the first time that Lampkin has failed to start a Grand Prix since he made his FIM Trial World Championship debut in Luxembourg back in 1993. Although the thirty-five year old veteran campaigner took part in official practice yesterday, he opted not to ride today after having inspected the hazards, which were both big and demanding.
Unable to compete himself, Dougie switched to his role as Gas Gas trial team manager and accompanied factory rider Adam Raga throughout the trial. His presence and experience in this position would appear to have had a positive effect on Raga, with the Spanish title challenger claiming his first victory of the new season.
Dougie spoke about his disappointment at failing to start today's event. "I am obviously gutted at missing today's trial, as this is the first time in nineteen seasons that I have had to pull out of a World trial for any kind of reason. I rode for the first time yesterday since Germany and it was obvious that my ankle was still very weak despite having had further treatment this week."
"In certain circumstances and conditions I could have ridden round to just pick up some points. However after looking at the size and severity of the sections yesterday afternoon, it would have been crazy for me to have ridden today as there was a high risk that I would have done further damage to my ankle and maybe even injured myself more."
"With a break in the schedule now, I hope that I will have enough time for the ankle to recover properly so that I can be fully fit for the next event and the rest of the season. Finally I would like to congratulate Adam on his win, and I hope he can do the same tomorrow." ended Dougie. High resolution copyright free images for editorial use available on request.
