THE world premiere of the much-awaited The Highland Challenge – Lampkin vs Fujinami film -that features two of the planet’s most popular and recognised motorcycle trials riders – has been launched.
To view the film go to http://www.ukworldtrial.com/.
The highly-competitive nature of Britain’s Dougie Lampkin, along with his dry sense of humour, is in absolute contrast to Japan’s Takahisa Fujinami’s [Fujigas] fun-loving and flamboyant approach to life and results in a unique insight into these two ex-world champions as they go head to head.
Filmed in the beautiful Scottish Highlands as a prequel to the 2011 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship event, which will visit Nevis Range, Fort William, on 30 and 31 July, the decorated duo fight it out over a diverse series of challenges to determine who will be ‘king’ ahead of the event, proper.
Dougie Lampkin and Takahisa Fujinami will be amongst the elite field of the most accomplished, composed and skilful motorcycle trials riders who will descend on the Scottish Highlands in July for the UK leg of the 2011 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship, the 36th edition of arguably the biggest, the most important and the best motorcycle trial competition series on the international calendar.
Searching for his illusive one hundredth GP win at the two day event in 2010 at Nevis Range, 12-times FIM Trial world Champion Lampkin stunned everyone by coming so close to that famous victory during the opening day of competition.
Then, come Sunday, it was Fujinami’s turn to wow the crowds. The now 31 year-old produced a performance that will be remembered forever, as he won day two in his own unique style followed by a massive leap onto the podium that defined the moment perfectly.
With neither Dougie or Takahisa being shy when it comes to a battle, this formidable duo recently paid an early visit to the Highlands in readiness for this year’s event.
Consisting of five very different challenges in total, the two ex-world champions were more than up for the fight and despite having mutual respect for each other in the paddock, there was no love lost when it came to determining a winner.
Quad biking, paint balling, canoeing, chess (2,150 ft up a mountain) and downhill mountain biking made up the day’s action, providing a mixture of activities designed to both physically and mentally test this highly-competitive pairing.
With the kind permission of Highland Activities, Lampkin and Fujinami were granted special access to the Ardverikie Estate – the same location where BBC’s Monarch of the Glen series was filmed – to take part in the initial challenges, with the final and deciding duels having taken place back at Nevis Range.
“For sure I enjoyed my day very much. I have tried paintballing before, but never canoeing so it was very hard for me. I think I will stay with Trial for the moment,” Fujinami laughed.
“I liked the downhill mountain biking and maybe this is better for my crazy riding style.
“I must also say Dougie is very good on the quad bike for an old man! To be back in the Highlands of Scotland was so nice for me, last year this was a fantastic trial and I cannot wait to return again in July. I know Dougie is looking for the top step of the podium at his home GP, but first he must pass me!”
Lampkin, a man who doesn’t know what ‘runner-up’ means, was the first to admit that he took the day quite seriously.
He said: “I am naturally competitive, even with things which start as a bit of fun. Somehow, I always manage to get carried away. When we were side by side on the downhill course, I was a little less carefree than Fuji, as that man knows no fear.
“The day ended up being really good fun and it was a great way to unsettle Fuji before the world championship comes to Fort William. I’m still searching for my one 100th GP victory and there would be no better place to do it than in Scotland.”
Whilst the day was packed with plenty of international humour, there was still fierce competition between these two continuing rivals.
To see what happened during this unique battle watch the full video – http://www.ukworldtrial.com/.
Full travel and accommodation details plus the opportunity to buy discounted advance and VIP tickets can be found on the official event website -http://www.ukworldtrial.com or by calling the event hotline 0845 643 6756.
Special thanks to Highland Activities for all their kind assistance in making this project happen.
Ends
Media contact:
Paddy Cuthbert, Podge Publicity – T: 07968 699636 / E: paddy@podge.co.uk
Notes to editors:
Useful websites:
2011 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship at Nevis Range, Fort William – http://www.ukworldtrial.com.
FIM – http://www.fim-live.com/en/
ACU – http://www.acu.org.uk/
Trials Central – http://wwwtrialscentral.com/
The 2010 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship at Fort William
The inaugural SPEA FIM Trial World Championship held at Nevis Range in 2010 was a huge success with the spectacular setting creating one of the best events the championship has seen in its 35-year history.
The natural sections plotted by Martin Lampkin provided an unique challenge for the competitors and brought out some superb riding that was warmly appreciated by the assembled crowd who enjoyed the atmosphere of this incredible location.
The UK’s only mountain gondola allowed the fans easy access to all parts of the course and provided them with unrivalled views of Lochaber and the Scottish Highlands.
Funding and support
The 2011 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship at Nevis Range, Fort William is supported by EventScotland, Highland and Islands Enterprise and The Highland Council together with Nevis Range, Alcan, Forestry Commission Scotland, VisitScotland, Outdoor Capital of the UK, TMX and Hope.
World Championship classes
World Pro – As the name suggests, this is the world’s elite – the professionals, the best on the planet.
World Junior – This class is for riders aged 16 to 23 years-old and is a feeder class for the top category.
World Youth – Riders in this class are restricted to 125cc machines, and must be aged 16 to 18 years-old.
Governing bodies
The 2010 and 2011 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship and Trial Des Nations 2012 will be run on behalf of the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) which is the World governing body of motorcycle sport. The Auto Cycle Union (ACU), the British motorcycle federation, has sanctioned these events to be run within its territory. The events will be run in accordance with the FIM sporting code, trial regulations, technical rules and environmental code, with delegates from both the FIM and the ACU present throughout the events to ensure compliancy.
EventScotland
EventScotland is the national events agency. EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news, visit www.EventScotland.org
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Contact: Paddy Cuthbert
Phone: 07968699636
Email: paddy@podge.co.uk
Website: http://www.ukworldtrial.com.
