Doug out of action
By TMX Archives on 5th Aug 09
DOUGIE Lampkin is out of action for at least four weeks with a serious hand injury following a nasty practice lap crash at the Yeadon Guiseley club's British Championship round at Brimham Rocks, Pateley Bridge, in Yorkshire.
Doug was attempting a big rock step in the ninth hazard when the factory Beta crashed backwards – and Doug held on, only to become pushed backwards and trapped by the bike, still holding onto the bars. He rushed back to the start, holding his left hand and initial first aid was carried out by Wayne Braybrook before a First-aider directed, "Hospital” and dad Martin drove him straight to Airedale General in some considerable pain.
An X-ray revealed a broken bone near the wrist, which in turn had over-extended his index-finger (dislocated) and his hand was put in a light cast. It was expected that the injury would be operated on but the specialist who looked at it on Monday said that he was happy with it in the cast and that he would look at it again today (Friday).
Doug is still looking at riding the next round of the World Championship in Spain on September 6, possibly in a lightweight cast and definitely in the Trial des Nations a fortnight later on September 20.
Commenting on the incident Dougie said, "Nine times out of ten you get away with that kind of crash, but today it was not going to be. When the sump hit the step, I thought I could jump back off the bike safely, but I ended-up dragging the bike down with me. As soon as the bike started to come over the top of me I knew I was in trouble.”
Doug also made it quite clear that he would definitely be in attendance at his three annual Training Days this Friday/Saturday/Sunday and although he won't be able to ride he will instruct and has drafted-in British Championship leader James Dabill to join Jack Challoner on teaching and demonstration duties.