Dougie Lampkin Report

Dougie Lampkin – Repsol Montesa HRC completed his eight-year term with his Spanish / Japanese squad with a solid runner up spot behind his young team-mate Toni Bou. Lampkin, making his last ever ride aboard the factory four stroke, did not disappoint his large home crowd as they witnessed him complete an important chapter in his sporting career with some style.

Although come the finish Dougie (pictured right) had no answer to the all-conquering Bou, who was simply awesome on the night, the thirty-one-year old British hero played his part in a great evening of highly competitive entertainment. Showing no nerves or emotion despite the enormity and importance of the occasion, Lampkin matched Bou blow for blow during a tense opening lap.

With Adam Raga’s performance limited by a hand injury sustained during a practice crash the day before, that would later force him to retire, it was left to the third member of the Repsol team Takahisa Fujinami to keep the pressure on both Lampkin and Bou.

Only a tie-breaker race could decide who would have the advantage of riding last during the second and final lap, as both Toni and Dougie completed the first tour totally unpenalised. It was the young Spanish rider who gained this honour, and he used it to his full benefit as he gave the large audience and his rivals a dazzling display of pure brilliance.

Despite this Lampkin was anything but out classed, and produced some of his old magic to confirm that he remains a real contender and threat to his younger counterparts, with the start of the new season looming fast. Delighted with his performance, Dougie passed comment for the final time as a Repsol Montesa HRC rider.

“I am so glad I have been able to close my time at Montesa with a good result, as after eight great years and four World championships it would have been sad to have finished on a low note, especially in front of so many home fans. Once again I would like to thank all the team for their fantastic support over this long period, and I would also like to give a special mention to Amos Bilbao for the important part he has played in my success. Finally I would like to take this chance, to wish everyone all the best for the New Year, and hope it proves to be one for all of us to remember.”

Results: Lap 1 + Lap 2 = Total

1: Antonio Bou (SPA-Beta) 0 + 3 = 3
2: Dougie Lampkin (GBR-Montesa-HRC) 0 + 12 = 12
3: Takahisa Fujinami (JPN-Montesa-HRC) 1 + 26 = 27
4: James Dabill (GBR-Montesa) 8 + 26 = 34
5: Michael Brown (GBR-Beta) 10 + 33 = 43
6: Adam Raga (SPA- Gas Gas) 16 + DNF = Retired after first lap due to injury.