SSDT Day 2: Dougie goes clean
By John Dickinson on 4th May 16
Dougie Lampkin jumped to the top of the 2016 Scottish Six Days Trial leaderboard from an overnight sixth place with a perfect clean ride through Tuesdays 30 sections to remain on a total of eight marks.
With his early start day, Monday, behind him the nine times SSDT winner and Vertigo team captain was confident and in full control of events, riding right at the back of the field over a 95% new 85 mile route which was praised by many clubmen as a perfect day's run with the moors not too difficult and really enjoyable.
The day began with the short road run down the A84 before heading across the Corran ferry and a brand new group at Ardgour. The route then headed off maily cross country to Loch Shiel, taking in several groups before hitting the road, looping out to Lachan and then another loop that brought the entry to three familiar groups at Loch Arkaig, Witches Burn and finishing at Trotters Burn.
Unlike with last year's Tuesday route there were no time related traumas with the day running like clockwork and with the weather mainly fine, apart from the odd wintry shower, it was a cracking day.
Gas Gas UK ace Michael Brown took a nervous dab in the very first section, then had a bad spell dropping 2-1-2 from section 10 before getting a grip and completing the day on six to hold second place with only himself and Lampkin remaining in single figures.
Tuesday so only a dozen riders complete the 30 sections on single figures so while the route was enjoyable the sections remained tough with, thankfully, less water in the burns.
The penultime group, the single sub at Witches burn, saw the waterfall as imposing as ever and while slippery as ice for early arrivals, Adam Norris took a nasty tumble back down hurting his wrist, there were ultimately plenty of cleans – and a fantastic ride by Jess Bown who wheelied over the crest. Katy Sunter also made it look easy but it stopped Emma Bristow and Sandra Gomez although both made spirited attempts.
Joe Baker, Alexz Wigg and Gary Macdonald remain right in contention at this stage, all three on 10 marks with James Dabill , losing seven for the day, just a few marks further back than he'd like as he faces his early day today (Wednesday).
Tom Hooper and Dan Peace remain out in front in the Newcomers battle, Peace gaining five marks on his rival as the pair go into the third day separated by just four marks.
Wednesday's route is basically the same as the all-new route introduced and well received last year which takes the entry via Kinlochleven down to Appin on the Oban road before returning via tarmac to Fort William and will be around 70 miles in total distance.
