Doug dips out
By TMX Archives on 16th Sep 04
Fujigas ends Lampkin's reign SEVEN-TIME world trials champion Dougie Lampkin failed in his bid to make it eight straight outdoor crowns when Takahisa Fujinami lifted the '04 title at the series finale in Switzerland. A hefty 24 points adrift of the Japanese star before the Swiss climax to the nine-round series, Dougie narrowed the final gap to 15 with a double win - but the damage had already been done. "I feel completely disappointed not to have won the title again," admits Dougie. "It's a very hard thing to accept. Fuji has ridden well all year but I still never wanted to lose my title - not just yet anyway." For the throttle-happy Fujigas the world crown is a dream come true after finishing runner-up to his Repsol Montesa team-mate for the past five seasons. "This is an unbelievable feeling," he grins. "My entire career this is all I have wanted to do. Every year I have been runner-up to Dougie who is one of the most amazing riders. "But now all my hard work has finally paid off. It's not quite sunk in yet but I am very, very happy!" Still, Dougie has a few ominous words the new champion would do well to take note of. "I've managed to finish the season on a high," he adds, "and I hope it shows to people and my rivals that I haven't and won't give up just yet."