Dougie retires!
By TMX Archives on 20th Apr 12
Dougie Lampkin has officially announced his retirement from the FIM Trial World Championships after an incredible 19 years at the very top.
Since making his debut in Luxembourg on April 18, 1993, Dougie has contested an astonishing 257 Trial GP events. Doug recorded seven consecutive world titles from 1997 to 2003 (plus five Indoor titles) clocked-up a tremendous 99 GP wins and no fewer than 170 rostrum finishes – an incredible record.
Doug, now 36, secured his first world title in the Czech Republic in 1977, aged just 21 and his seventh and last on September 13, 2003, at La Cabrera, Spain.
The Yorkshire icon claimed his final GP win in La Chatre, France on Saturday, June 25, 2006.
The son of the first ever World Trials Champion, Martin Lampkin, back in 1975, Dougie was always destined for the top and just 22 years later, in a momentous family occasion, Dougie became only the second Brit to win the crown. And this remains true right up to date.
On making the announcement of his retirement Dougie said: "While it feels quite strange to know that I will not be doing battle at the World Championship this year, the ongoing problem with my ankle last season has made it an easier decision for me.
"Although part of me feels a little sad to be stopping, I can't really complain as I have had an incredible run at the top level with so few injuries when you think that I have been riding the world series for almost 20 years.
"The good news is that I still love riding my bike just as much as I did when I first started riding.
"As for winning, well I love that as much as ever, now it just does not happen as much as it use to!
"I still have a massive motivation and desire to win, that's why I am still looking forward to riding the Scottish, the Scott and perhaps some other multi-day trials in Europe along with the enduro events.
"Beating the younger riders still feels good, so they still need to watch out for the old man as he is not finished just yet,” Doug added with a smile.
"I am also very motivated to help Gas Gas win too, I think we have done some good work so far and moved in the right direction, but this year I think we can be even stronger.
"So although I will not be riding, I am sure I will still get a huge sense of satisfaction in playing a part in helping Adam (Raga) and the other Gas Gas riders win this season.
Dougie has devoted a huge amount of time and effort into his development role within the Gas Gas factory team.
The main goal is to assist Adam Raga in regaining the World Championship for the factory and Raga appreciates the experience and motivation a great champ like Dougie can provide.
Doug's next competitive outing will be at the Scottish Six Days Trial in Fort William from Monday to Saturday, May 7 to May 12.
