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2010 World Championship Round 7 |
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Dougie Lampkin - Beta was responsible for his only downfall at the Italian Grand Prix, which marked the penultimate round of the 2010 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship. The thirty four year old veteran campaigner committed an absolute basic mistake in section one on the second lap, which would ultimately drop him from fourth place down to sixth spot come the finish, as just six marks separated fourth to seventh positions.
Factory Beta rider Lampkin arrived in the Italain ski resort of Foppolo, which sits sixty kilometres north of the city of Bergamo, with fond memories of these mountains. The last time the series visited here back in 2001, Dougie was victorious on both days of the competition. Although the championship had been absent from the venue for several years, the scenery remained as stunning as ever, with the surrounding terrain also once again providing a suitable challenge for the current crop of World trial stars. After the disappointment of San Marino, Lampkin was hoping to turn his fortunes around in front of the massive Italian crowd.
This week the sections were located on the outskirts of the town, with the busy and narrow network of local roads providing the main framework of the course. Using the natural terrain to its full potential, the hazards featured boulder strewn streams and steep grassy bankings. A heavy storm on Friday evening initially looked as if it was going to force the organisers into making widespread changes.
However sunshine throughout Saturday, along with a strong wind meant conditions had eased considerably by the time Sunday morning arrived. What had looked impossible on Friday, now looked almost too easy, with the riders eventually predicting a low scoring trial. Whilst Dougie was unable to match Bou, Raga and Fujinami on the opening lap, he still managed to hold fifth spot at the punchcard change, just behind Italian rider Grattarola who was initially making the most of his home advanatge.
Looking to close further on Dabill in the general standings, Dougie went into the final lap with a real prospect of finishing a few places ahead of his British counterpart to set up a last round showdown between the two friendly rivals. However Lampkin was quick to hand the advantage back to his younger compatriot as he made a very costly mistake in the first section of the second lap.
Dougie's five mark loss here, where he had cleaned on the opening lap, would prove to be hugely significant not only in today's result, but also in his chances of reclaiming sixth in the championship after having given up valuable points by missing the two day Japanese Grand Prix earlier in the year. Having seen fourth place slip away, due to his own error, Lampkin was suitably frustrated with himself.
"It's a long while since I have made such a basic error and one that has been so costly. I have got no one to blame, but myself. I am angry, frustrated and disappointed all in one. Although I have not ridden my best today, it looked as if I was going to be able to get a good result." Dougie explained.
"I had the chance of maybe pulling four points back on Dabill, but instead I have given him a bonus point. Sixth in the championship has all but gone, unless James has a disaster in the Czech Republic. I knew when I rode Erzberg rather than going to Japan it was going to be difficult to hold on to my ranking." Ended a frustrated Lampkin. |
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