Red Bull athlete Dougie Lampkin is now in the final phase of his preparations for this year's Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT), which will take place from 5th to 10th May inclusive from its now traditional base in Fort William. With Lampkin having stepped down from the FIM Trial World Championship, the SSDT is now the single most important event in his year. 2014 will see Dougie contest the SSDT on his own branded DL12 machine.
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Having already won what remains regarded as one of the toughest motorcycling events on the planet on a record previous seven occasions, Dougie is still equally hungry and passionate about picking up the famous winners' trophy for an eighth time. Over recent months the thirty-eight year old ex multi FIM Trial World Champion has spent many hours back in the saddle, as he looks once again to keep his younger rivals at bay when he heads to the Scottish Highlands in a week's time.
Speaking ahead of only his second competitive outing in the year to date Dougie explained. "There is no doubt that the Scottish is now the biggest and most important event of my year. I have always liked the event and you can like it even more when it doesn't rain and you win it." "It takes such a massive effort to win the SSDT both beforehand and during the actual week, plus you also need a bit of luck on your side too. I am happy with the way that my preparations have gone so far, I feel good on the bike and I know I have put the hours in that are needed if you want to ride well up there."
"I also know that it has been said a hundred times before, but you do have to take it day by day, as anything can happen in the Scottish. The weather does play a big part, as if it is wet and the water is high in the burns it can become a bit more of a lottery."
"I am sure the other guys are equally as keen as I am to win, and there are a few riders who can ride well in Scotland so nothing is a given. Having finished as runner-up to me on the last two years I am sure that James Dabill will be out for revenge. Last year I beat him quite comfortably, but in 2012 it was a real nail biter between us, thankfully I came out on top."
"Although its always a tough week up in Fort William, it is always a week I enjoy very much, as I get the chance to ride with my cousins and friends, whilst still competing for the win. There are not many events where you can do that, especially in such stunning terrain too."
Lampkin rounded off by adding. "When you see how many times the Lampkin name is engraved on the winners trophy, you can then understand just how much it would mean to both me and my family if I was able to win one more time."
Images courtesy of Sam Needham