Gas Gas factory rider Dougie Lampkin brought a close to a long and successful relationship with Sheffield indoor trial last night when he competed in his favourite event for the final time. Thirty-five year old Lampkin who has ridden in every single Sheffield event since its inception back in 1996, and has won a record eight times in the famous Yorkshire arena bowed out in style as he traded blows with his younger rivals one last time. The huge applause from the near capacity crowd as Dougie was introduced to the audience at the start of the show set the tone for the evening, with his many thousands of home fans showing their appreciation for the veteran’s efforts throughout the competition.
Whilst still restricted by his ongoing ankle injury, Dougie got his night underway with a convincing clean on the opening section. Despite the sheer pressure of the occasion Lampkin looked solid as he eased his way over the large boulders to show he was determined to put in a strong closing performance. Although unable to match the pace of Bou and Raga, Dougie rode a calculated first lap to book his place in the six man final, as the younger British riders Michael Brown and Jack Challoner failed to make the cut and were relegated to the sidelines for the main part of the trial.
With part one of the job completed, Dougie then turned his attention to the Red Bull King of Steel challenge, where the twelve times FIM Trial World Champion lined up against a host of two wheel stars from the World of motorcycling and cycling. The head to head races saw Lampkin tested as he battled to add points on his tally and prevent the “Rest of the World’ team inflicting a defeat on the undisputed King of Steel. Wins against ex -bicycle trials champions Martyn Ashton, and World super bike champion Neil Hodgson gave Dougie a good start, however victories for Adam Raga and Takahisa Fujinami evened things up.Eurosport commentator James Whitham had no answer against the trials champion, but then mountain bike legend Rob Warner grabbed a shock win to put the scores level going into the final showdown. Lampkin eventually took the title as he saw off downhill World champion Steve Peat much to the delight of the crowd.
Dougie will always be Sheffield's King of Steel
In the final part of the trial Lampkin fought hard to up hold his honour against the new era of trials stars and had the chance of being the highest placed British rider as he faced James Dabill in a winner takes all showdown. However it was not to be a fairytale ending for Dougie as he tried a touch too hard and ended up making a mistake early in the final head to head encounter to allow Dabill to overtake him in sight of the flag. Despite this unscripted ending, Lampkin received a fitting farewell from his many loyal fans who have supported him at Sheffield indoor trial over the last decade and a half.
Dougie gave his thoughts of his final appearance at his favourite event. “I am a little annoyed at myself at messing up the last race, as it would have been nice to have signed off by at least winning that. It was definitely a case of trying too hard. Anyway other than that, it has been a great night and one I have thoroughly enjoyed. The reaction of the crowd throughout the evening has been brilliant and it is that kind of support that has has made Sheffield so special for me over so many years. I want to thank all my fans for their long and loyal following, as they have definitely played their part when I was fighting for the win during the early years.”
“I would also like to thank Red Bull for making the King of Steel challenge happen. It was great to race against all those guys and to have so many other champions present during this very special evening. Knowing I had to beat Steve Peat in the final race put me under pressure, so I was glad when I eventually came out on top. Sheffield indoor trial has always been my favourite event each season, so it was quite a strange feeling to be riding knowing it will be my last time out there on the floor.” Dougie continued.
“That said, I am already looking to come back to Sheffield as a spectator next January.” Lampkin ended.
Images: Edmunds J. G2F Media