Silsden ace Lampkin satisfied with second in gruelling race (From Keighley News)

Silsden ace Lampkin satisfied with second in gruelling race

11:40pm Thursday 11th October 2012 in Sport

Silsden rider Dougie Lampkin returned to northern Portugal last weekend looking to defend the title he won at the Lagares Extreme Enduro last year – but had to settle for second place in what proved to be one of the toughest events he had ever competed in.

Although he had been victorious during his debut 12 months ago, Lampkin knew he had a real task on his hands this time round as he lined up against a host of extreme enduro specialists, including eventual winner Graham Jarvis.

The Gas Gas rider gave himself every chance of success in the main event, with the 36-year-old having qualified in fourth place.

Situated approximately 50km east of the city of Porto, the course once again featured typical Portuguese terrain that incorporated wooded hillsides, rocky outcrops and slippery stream-beds. Although the 2011 edition of this event was a real test of man and machine, this year’s competition saw the challenge taken to an all new level, with Lampkin’s finishing time this year being almost two hours longer than the winning time he recorded last October.

He eventually came home 29 minutes behind Jarvis and 16 in front of the final podium finisher Alfredo Gomez. Only these three riders managed to finish within the allotted six-hour time allowance.

Lampkin said: “I think that’s about the toughest event I have ever ridden in. I have got no skin left on my hands and my backside is pretty tender having ridden almost the last hour of the race without a seat.

“I would have liked to have been closer to Graham, but when I lost my seat I knew it was just a case of survival.”

“Last year the event was pretty tough but this year it has been bordering on ridiculous. I think the fact that there has only been three official finishers tells you as much as you need to know.

“Given the situation, I am happy to have finished second, as Graham was always going to be difficult to beat as he is on top of his game at the moment and has ridden many more of these type of events this year compared to my handful of outings.”

Results: 1: Graham Jarvis (Husaberg) 5h 08m 2: Dougie Lampkin (Gas Gas) 5h 37m 3: Alfredo Gomez (Husaberg) 5h 53m.