Dougie Lampkin made a welcome return to the outdoor trials scene, and to the winners’ podium, with a solid third place at the opening round of the Spanish domestic series held earlier today. Whilst it was Lampkin’s team mate Bou who was the clear winner, Dougie was not far off second position, finishing just four marks behind Raga, and some thirteen marks ahead of fourth placed rider Fujinami.
Lampkin had stated just last week how much he was looking forward to his first outdoor competition of the year, after having suffered a torrid run of results during the more recent indoor World championship rounds. Dougie confirmed he remains a serious contender when it comes to the more traditional version of the sport, with a rostrum finish when his confidence is perhaps not at its best.
The result brought extra comfort for Lampkin, as despite all fifteen sections comprising of dry rocks, the multi World champion coped well despite this not being his favourite terrain. All but, the last hazard, which was a man made affair, were located on a large, steep rock out crop. The final section proved to be a bogey hazard for Dougie, with him recording two of his three maximums here.
Dougie’s remaining failure was at section nine, where Bou was the only rider to escape for less than a five on the opening lap. This was a feat that Lampkin matched on his second lap, as he became the only competitor to reach the end cards on this occasion.
Relatively satisfied with his performance, Lampkin commented. “Although the result could have been slightly better, it is a great confidence boost for me following the last few weeks, when things have not been going to plan. I have been training hard, so today was a good gauge of where I am at prior to the World outdoor championship starting in a few weeks time.”
“The conditions didn’t really suit me today, but I was really happy with the way that I rode, apart from a couple of threes, and how the bike performed following the progress we have made this winter.”