TWELVE-times FIM Trial World Champion and all-round motorcycle trials legend Dougie Lampkin will once again be competing in the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) in Locahaber from 3 to 8 May 2010.
The factory-backed Beta pilot who has won the gruelling event of skill and endurance five times in total, with most recent wins in 2008 and 2009, will join 275 riders from all over the world to defend this legendary crown.
Lampkin returns to the event in its ninety ninth year, after narrowly defeating Alex Wigg – Beta by a single mark during last year’s epic duel in some of the worst weather conditions the historic event had ever seen.
However, he knows his route to a sixth and third successive win will be as tough as ever, especially with fellow World championship contender Albert Cabestany (Spain) – Sherco making his Scottish debut this May.
Lampkin does have an advantage of sorts.
He comes from a family of trial-hardened Yorkshiremen whose illustrious surname is synonymous with the sport. This is down to a rich and celebrated history, borne from generations of success in their homeland (and around the World), including numerous victories at the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT).
Between Dougie, his father Martin and uncles, Arthur and Alan (aka Sid), the Lampkins have won the SSDT ten times.
Throw in John, who was runner-up in 1989 and finished third in 1986, 1991 and 1992, and James – third in 2004 – into the mix and a Lampkin has been on the rostrum more than 20 times in the last 50 years.
For Dougie, the notoriously challenging nature of the multi-day marathon, in addition to his family’s bond with the event, is what continues to draw him back to the Highlands. Dougie Lampkin said: “The Six Days means a lot to me personally. It was the first trial I ever went to.
“My mum pushed me up the mountain in a pram when I was six-weeks-old so I could watch the riders, and from that point onwards I went every year to watch my dad and my uncles compete. To be able to ride it myself, and win, as I did last year, is a privilege. In fact, just to be able to ride in an area of outstanding natural beauty is a real privilege.”
However, while Martin and his two brothers, Arthur and Alan, have no intention of traversing the 30-odd sections that make up the arduous course each day, they will still make the annual pilgrimage to Fort William.
Martin Lampkin said: “The event means so much to us because it has been a part our lives for as long as we can remember. I can still recall how excited I was when I turned sixteen, just because it meant I was eligible to enter the Six Days. I hope one day all the top riders will return, as it is still a great test of man and machine.”
Whilst the likes of Dougie Lampkin, Wigg, Cabestany and 2007 winner James Dabill – Gas Gas will make the journey to the Scottish Highlands with one goal in mind, for many of the other riders their sole aim will be make it to the finish.
Covering nearly 100 miles and 30 sections each day, the event is a real test of endurance, both for the modern trials bike (which is designed for far more compact courses) and the riders. This is much due to the unique nature of the Scottish terrain and sections that remain the real lure of this great competition.
Over the last century many thousands of riders have made the famous pilgrimage to the enthralling and unmatched landscape that surrounds Fort William, but only the select few have the honour of having had their name etched on the famous winners’ trophy.
Ends
Media Contact
For interviews and / or images please contact:
Paddy Cuthbert – Podge Publicity – M: 07968 699636 / E: Paddy@podge.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
Background
The Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) is mainly focused on the Lochaber area, centred in Fort William. Each day of the trial starts and finishes at the West End Car Park on the waterfront, providing a major attraction for the town.
The trial is limited by daylight hours to around 270 competitors, but entries are regularly in excess of 400, such is the popularity of the event. The majority of riders look forward to the only trial that allows them to compete on equal terms with professional and world-class riders. The trial has a reputation for being the toughest in the world, and it is the most prestigious event that a trials rider can win.
Competing in the Scottish Six Days Trial is the dream of every young trials rider, and long may that continue.
The SSDT is managed by the Edinburgh & District Motor Club, and in association with the SSDT the Club runs a Pre-’65 two-day trial for machines manufactured before 1965. This takes place immediately before the SSDT every year, starting and finishing in Kinlochleven. The Pre-’65 trial celebrated it’s Silver Jubilee in 2009 and has proved to be the most important Pre-’65 trial in the UK, with entries for the trial massively over-subscribed each year. The Scottish Six Days Trial attracts over 270 riders who together with their followers, spectators and the 150 Pre-’65 riders, provide a major boost to the economy of Fort William and the surrounding areas.
Sponsors and Supporters
Birkett Motosport – http://birkettmotosportukltd.co.uk/
Highland Council – http://www.highland.gov.uk/
Highland Leisure – http://www.highlandleisuresport.co.uk/
John Lee Motorcycles – http://www.lee-motorcycles.co.uk/
Lift Control Ltd – http://www.liftcontrol.co.uk/
Putoline Oils – http://www.putoline.com/en/
Talon Engineering – http://www.talon-eng.co.uk/
Thistle Access – http://www.thistleaccess.co.uk/
Trials Central – http://www.trialscentral.com/
Oximoto – http://www.oximoto.com/es/
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Contact: Paddy Cuthbert
Phone: 07968699636
Email: paddy@podge.co.uk
Website: http://www.ssdt.org/
