Dougie's Trials School continues
By Team TMX on 12th Aug 16
Early August means only one thing for one of Red Bull UK's best known and longest serving athletes Dougie Lampkin, as the ex multi FIM Trial World Champion once again hosted his long standing and annual Master Class Summer Trials School.
Now in its 18th year, the three-day event followed a similar theme with riders of all ages and abilities again flocking to the established and scenic venue of Addingham Moorside, which overlooks Dougie's hometown of Silsden. Confirming the continued popularity of this unique occasion riders travelled from as far afield as Dubai and Italy to be part of this year's course.
Always focused on giving participants the best level of tuition and a great overall experience Dougie invited guest instructors to join him throughout the three days of intense yet enjoyable training. These included World Championship contender and fellow factory Vertigo rider James Dabill who is currently closing in on a seventh national title and one of the UK's hottest new talents in the form of Jack Price who recently secured the highly coveted Trial2 World title.
This trio of highly decorated professional riders that share 14 FIM World titles, 12 British Championships, two European crowns and an incredible twelve Scottish Six Days Trial wins between them were supported by Dougie's cousin James Lampkin who is an accomplished rider in his own right and was at Dougie's side during his World Championship winning years.
Dougie's original minder Paul Dixon rounded out the well-drilled teaching squad who again through their undisputed pedigree and unequalled wealth of experience came together to deliver what is widely regarded as the best trials tuition on the planet.
The 25 plus riders who were fortunate to secure their place on each of the days were each treated to over four hours of on the bike training. The morning and afternoon sessions were punctuated by a hearty and homemade lunch that was provided as part of the course, with each day concluding with an extraordinary demonstration of skill and bravery by the instructors before the attendees gathered under the Red Bull wigwam one last time to be awarded their respective certificates and prizes.
Always committed to finding time in his ever more hectic schedule to be able to continue hosting his Master Class, Dougie explained just how important this event is to him in his calendar each year. "It seems more and more difficult to find enough days to be able to do all the things I am asked to do or want to do. That said, however busy I am one thing is for sure is that my summer Trials School is always one of the first things in my diary each year. It's a great chance to put something back into the sport and to share my experience with likeminded people of all ages and irrespective of their ability."
"Those moments when a kid rides out the end of a section, which they could hardly get through at the start of the day, and turns round with a huge smile on their face having cleaned something that they never imagined they could have a few hours earlier is just magical."
"Red Bull's continued and amazing support of this event really does give me and the fellow instructors a real chance to inspire the next generation of riders and give them their wings to perhaps become a champion themselves in the future. Both James (Dabill) and Jack (Price) came to be taught at the Master Class when they were youth riders, so dreams do come true if you believe and work hard enough."
Lampkin rounded off by saying. "I would like to thank all the riders who came to take part and to my teaching team who did a first class job as always. I look forward to seeing everyone back again early next August."
