Dougie Wheelies Onto The Big Screen
By John Dickinson on 9th Dec 16
RED Bull staged a special premiere for invited guests in Manchester to launch a behind-the-scenes film of Dougie Lampkins epic no-stop wheelie round the Isle of Man TT course.
Entitled ‘Dougie Lampkin – Wheelie Man', the 45-minute film held the audience spellbound as it chronicled the run-up from an idea by Dougie to it actually happening, graphically showing the stress the 12-time World Trials Champion put himself under once he realised the enormity of the challenge he'd taken on.
Without giving too much away, the attempt very nearly never happened as a totally honest Doug admitted to a ‘total meltdown' and the film shows how his team got him back on track, especially Hope Technology engineer Blackie Holden who transformed Doug's Vertigo trials bike into a wheelie monster.
There are some very poignant moments in the film.
Producer/Director Stu Thompson explained the background to the challenge when the Lampkins were still struggling to cope with the loss of Martin, Doug and Harry's dad and Isobel's husband.
This he did with a skill and compassion that added much to the achievement and to the film. It is loaded with emotion.
Bearing this in mind the highlight of the film for many was when Doug's mum is asked for her views and Izzie came out with a typically Lampkin comment. "Forget all about this notion of it's the taking part that counts,” she said.
"Is it ‘eck, it's winning that really matters!” It was laugh-out-loud – and Isobel was in the audience!
When Red Bull release this film do not miss it – we will keep you informed as to when and how you can see it.
As TMX went to press it was expected to be released around Christmas so stay tuned!
