The UK round of the 2011 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship is thundering towards us at an almighty pace, with the planet's best riders due to stop off at Nevis Range, Fort William on 30/31 July. Amongst the elite field of competitors who will descend on the Scottish Highlands in just over nine weeks time, will be two of the most popular and successful riders on the current tour. Britain's Dougie Lampkin and Japan's Takahisa Fujinami need no introduction, especially to those fans who were lucky enough to be present at last year's event at Nevis Range.
Searching for his illusive one hundredth GP win, twelve times FIM Trial world Champion Lampkin stunned everyone by coming so close to that famous victory during the opening day of the 2010 competition. Then come Sunday it was Fujinami's turn to wow the crowds. The now thirty-one 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 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. "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 hundredth GP victory and there would be no better place to do it than in Scotland," commented Dougie.
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 when it is launched on Wednesday 1st June 2011 at 19.00 hours – visit www.ukworldtrial.com for more information. To get a sneak preview of what to expect click here
In the meantime full travel and accommodation details plus the opportunity to buy discounted advance and VIP tickets can be found on the official event website 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.
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