World Outdoor Trials Championship Sequathchie, USA
Round 3 Day 1 Saturday (2 day event) 20/05/06
 Dougie
Lampkin kept his dream of an eighth outdoor World title very
much alive, when he took second place during the opening day
of the USA Grand Prix. Lampkin rode himself into the runners
up position with a stunning second lap performance, Dougie
being one of only two riders to complete the tough course
in single figures. His last lap loss of just seven marks pushed
Bou into third place at the finish, the young Spanish rider
having headed Dougie at the halfway point.
Rain overnight forced the organisers to adjust some sections
prior to the start of today’s trial, with the steep
muddy bankings being extremely greasy. The first eight hazards
were in a slow running river, with large green boulders providing
the challenge. The second half of the loop featured rock faces
and steps on a wooded hillside. Dougie’s early starting
position was certainly not an advantage, with all his main
rivals having the luxury of watching him ride the sections
first.
Lampkin’s day started badly as he failed on the final
hill climb in the first section after having done the more
difficult part of the hazard for just a dab. Dougie rode himself
back into contention by dropping only one more five at section
nine to complete the first lap for a total of seventeen marks,
that being five more marks than eventual winner Raga and four
marks more than Bou at this point.
With only Raga beating Lampkin’s last lap score Dougie
was positive about his second place after the trial. “Without
the mistake in section one I could have been closer to Raga
and maybe put him under a bit more pressure, as we have made
it comfortable for him today. However second is still a good
result and keeps me in the hunt for the championship.”
“Raga has ridden well today to win by six marks, as
the level in the top group has been high given the conditions.
I need to look at today’s result to see where we can
improve tomorrow if I am going to be able to win. I hope the
organisers will make some changes tonight to give us another
good trial tomorrow, as if they leave it how it is, it could
end up being on the easy side.”
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