Topping the entry list is the incomparable Dougie Lampkin. Dougie hails from Yorkshire, in the North of England, and comes from solid Trials Riding Stock. His father Martin won the World Trials Championship back in 1975, and Uncle Arthur won the first ever US World Round in 1974. Cousin John was also a top level rider, winning a US World Round himself in the 1980's! Needless to say, there are many more Lampkins in the clan. Expect to hear the name Lampkin continuing, long after Dougie's reign is over.
Dougie has not had it all his own way in 2001. He's shown a couple of chinks in his armor, and many of the top riders have beaten him this year. Leading the challengers is Takahisa Fujinami, or 'Fujigas' as he is known. His agressive riding style has won him many fans, and it seems that he now has the confidence to win at the very highest level, as evidenced by his overall victory in Belgium.
There are many other riders running at the top. Look out for young Adam Raga, who has beaten Dougie 3 times in 2001, Steve Colley, who is always capable of brilliance, Marc Freixa, who has found terrific form on his Sherco, Graham Jarvis, who is better than ever after his return from injury, and Marc Colomer, who's beginning to gel with his Gas Gas. Let's not forget Kuroyama, Cabestany, Cobos or Bilbao, all of whom could challenge for the win!
