Radson rider Dougie Lampkin rewrote the records books once again recently when he clinched his seventh successive World outdoor trials title. Despite having a comfortable lead going into the final trial, Lampkin endured a tough battle as fought to maintain his concentration as the full extent of his achievement begun to sink in. In a big release of emotion Lampkin declared, “ I never thought I would say this, but it feels even better than winning my first title. It’s been a long and hard year and now I am just glad it’s over and I have got the result I so badly wanted.”

Amongst the first to congratulate Dougie was Jordi Tarres who acknowledged the fact that whilst him and Lampkin are now tied with seven titles each, the British rider’s record was even better as his had all been won in a row. Whilst Dougie was overcome with well wishes, his father Martin fought back the tears, typically proud of his eldest son’s latest victory. Dougie had barely passed through the final section end cards, before he paid tribute to his team and the part they have played in this success. “ My father, mother, cousin James and girlfriend Nicola have all been a big part of today, without their support I can honestly say that there is no way I would be still on top of the World.”

Due to land use issues the final round of the 2003 World outdoor trials championship made a last minute change of venue, although in reality the move was not a major one, with the trial shifting only a few extra kilometres north of the Spanish capital of Madrid. Whilst in the same geographic region, the new location of La Cabrera Valdemanco offered far more typical trial terrain than the original race circuit venue. Having already hosted a round of the Spanish domestic series in 2001, many of the leading riders were aware of the severe of the landscape that towers above the two villages that would provide base for this season’s closing event.

Lampkin made the relatively short trip from his base in Barcelona fully aware that his long reign at the top of World trials was under the most serious threat since he began his domination back in 1997. Ironically although Lampkin expected perhaps his toughest season since he first captured the outdoor title, his pre season thoughts had identified the young Spanish riders as probably posing the biggest barrier in preventing him achieving a record breaking seven championships in a row. However with their exclusion from of the earlier rounds due to a blanket ban as a result of an unofficial riders strike, Lampkin found himself literally locked in battle with his Japanese team mate Fujinami. This fierce duel begun right from the first round when the Montesa HRC duo shared a victory a piece during the initial two day competition.

While Lampkin maintained his normal consistent form as the championship developed he rarely shone, and did not win another trial until round five of the series. In contrast Fujinami was brimming with confidence and added two more victories to his tally during the same period. The second of these helped the Japanese rider make history as he drew level with Lampkin in the title race after a strong showing at his very wet home round. Fujinami actually technically headed the championship by virtue of having the most wins and in doing so became the first rider in seven years to topple Lampkin’s total domination.

Lampkin survived a late scare when he crashed riding between sections, to eventually bring him and his machine home safely in third place on the day to clinch the championship. “ It was a strange day, a lot of the pressure had been lifted, but I knew that the job was still not done. I found it very difficult to keep my concentration, it took a lot out of me both mentally and physically. The long wait for the final round really increased the tension, I can’t tell you just how happy I am that it is all over now".

Lampkin signed off by paying tribute to his team mate Fujinami. “ It has been a great battle this year, Fuji has been a fair rival and made this championship very special to me, as I have had to fight very hard to win this time around.”