It's the end of an era as Silsden ace Dougie bows out (From Keighley News)

It's the end of an era as Silsden ace Dougie bows out

10:26am Thursday 12th January 2012 in Sport

Dougie Lampkin thanked his army of fans as he brought a close to a long and successful relationship with his favourite event.

The 35-year-old Silsden rider was competing in the Sheffield Indoor Trial for the final time, having taken part in every event since its inception back in 1996.

Gas Gas factory rider Lampkin has won a record eight times in the famous arena and rapturous applause from the 6,000 crowd as he was introduced to the audience set the tone for the evening.

Many thousands of home fans showed their appreciation for the veteran’s efforts throughout the competition and, while still restricted by his ongoing ankle injury, Lampkin got his night underway with a convincing clean on the opening section.

Although unable to match the pace of younger rivals Tony Bou and Adam Raga, he rode a calculated first lap to book his place in the six-man final.

Fellow Britons Michael Brown and Jack Challoner failed to make the cut and 12-times FIM trials world champion Lampkin only just missed out on finishing top British rider as he came sixth – one place behind James Dabill, of Cookridge, following an early error.

But he did finish the evening with one title in a King of Steel challenge.

Lampkin said: “I’m a little annoyed at messing up the last race, as it would have been nice to have signed off by at least winning that. It was definitely a case of trying too hard.

“Other than that, it has been a great night and one I have thoroughly enjoyed.

“The reaction of the crowd throughout was brilliant and it is that kind of support that has made Sheffield so special for me over so many years.

“I want to thank all my fans for their long and loyal following, as they have definitely played their part when I was fighting for the win during the early years.

“Sheffield Indoor Trial has always been my favourite event each season, so it was quite a strange feeling to be riding knowing it will be my last time out there on the floor.

“That said, I am already looking to come back to Sheffield as a spectator next January.”

Spaniard Bou won the event ahead of Raga.

l British sidecar trials champion Robin Luscombe, from Culling-worth, will again sponsor the Youth and Sidecar British Championship this year.

Luscombe won the senior national title for the 15th time last year and also won the two-day Australian Sidecar Championship near Adelaide.