FIM SUPERENDURO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

GENOA, ITALY

SUNDAY 27/11/11

Dougie Lampkin - Gas Gas endured a nightmare start to his 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship when a torn chest muscle ruled him out of action after only the first main event. Despite the tough Yorkshireman's efforts, the thirty-five year old was unable to take any further part in the evening's proceedings following advise of onsite medical staff.

Fresh from his two week stint in Spain at the recent Nissan Live event, Lampkin arrived in Genoa, Italy confident of a strong showing at the opening round of the newly named 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship following a series of positive pre-season tests. With this in mind Dougie adopted a cautious approach during practice with his qualification for the main finals guaranteed thanks to his ranking.

However it was during the second practice session of the evening and whilst holding a top ten qualifying lap time that Lampkin was to suffer his latest injury. Although Dougie did not actually crash he had the handlebars ripped from his hands during one of the many technical sections on the track that was to force the front end of his factory Gas Gas onto full lock. This was enough to do severe damage to Dougie's upper chest, which would effectively wreck his assault before it had even began proper.

Dougie did his best to overcome his painful injury during the first final, but was unable to offset the pain and lack of breath caused by the torn muscle. The ex multi FIM Trial World Champion gritted his teeth to finish in an unlucky thirteenth place, however this would be the last piece of action for Lampkin before he was to seek further medical advice.

Struggling to get his breath and now in extreme discomfort each time he tried to move his right arm, Lampkin had to finally take notice of the onsite medics who advised him that he should take no further part in the meeting. Whilst Dougie was reluctant to accept the diagnosis, he ultimately could not ignore their instruction.

Lampkin was obviously disappointed by the outcome of the evening. "I felt quietly confident coming into tonight as we have made good progress during our recent tests. But in the end it has turned out to be a complete disaster."

"As soon as it happened in the second practice session I knew I was in trouble. It was just one of those strange situations where you don't crash but know that you have hurt yourself. I thought I could ride round the problem, although the pain and the problem with breathing was simply too much to cope with." Dougie continued.

The ex Trial champion ended by saying. "My main is to be fit for the second round of the series in Poland in two weeks time. Hopefully I can be fit enough to put in a good performance and to forget about what has happened here tonight."