The action packed India Bike Week (IBW) 2016 concluded with a bang. The event witnessed thousands of biker species migrating in Goa for the week end. The event also served as a launchpad, and new bikes were unveiled at the venue. Rallies, parades, Bike Build off, film festivals and many such events kept the excitement of the show sky-high.
One particular showstopper event by a legendary international endurocross rider garnered a lot of attention at the IBW 2016. The undisputed King of trials and Red Bull Athlete, Dougie Lampkin, the man himself showcased his riding skills and enthralled the onlookers at the IBW. Astride his trail bike, Dougie took on tracks and obstacles with precision and control; it was a treat to watch. In an exclusive interaction with Motoroids, Dougie Lampkin spoke about his time in India and his ambitions for 2016. We had questions and this is what he answered –
How was your experience at the IBW 2016/India?
I had a fantastic experience. It was my first time in India and this was the third time of the trial bike show in India. The organizers arranged for my bike to be brought down to India which I personally think was a very sweet gesture and almost reminiscent of the hospitality of the nation. I was quite surprised to see that the Indian audience was so ecstatic about biking because I was under the impression that biking was a big deal only in the West. All in all, the weekend went really well. I had a great time.
Which is the most special win out of the very many championships you have won and why?
That would most certainly be my first world championship win in 1997. Ever since I was convinced that biking was my calling, I pretty much got obsessed with becoming a world champion. You know what they say, go hard or go home. Obviously, when that dream became reality it was almost surreal and got etched in my memory forever.
Could you share some experience of the Scottish Six Days Trial last year?
At the risk of sounding extremely partial, the Scottish Six Day Trial has always been one of my favorite events. It was the first trial I ever attended to watch my father perform so it has the sweet feeling of nostalgia. Growing up as a young boy, I always wanted to partake in this since I had always been a spectator. Well, I’ve grown to win it 9 times now which is amazing. The last year was really important because I had a completely new bike so to win the toughest and longest event by the clock was quite something.
Endurance sports are physically and mentally taxing. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and fit for the events?
Endurance sports are quite different to regular motorsports because the competition trials usually take 5 or 6 hours to test your stamina. The upside is that we don’t need a track or a trail, some good terrain on the hills and we’re good to go. I rejuvenate by spending a lot of time at home convalescing from the previous event and also in Barcelona since it is one of my favorite spots to unwind. When it comes to training, I really believe that pushing myself as much as possible helps me in the long run. There is a very thin line between training hard and overexerting myself, which I never cross.
What is your message for professional motorcycle trials and endurocross riders?
It’s quite simple, actually. You need to start off at a slow pace and try to find a technique that works for you. Then you gradually try to improve your skill step by step. Don’t try to be the champion in the first weekend you ride the bike, it will never happen and you might end up dejected. Really, when it comes to training, slow and steady wins the race couldn’t be truer. Who knows, you might even end up travelling the world like me with only a bike for company.
What is your ambition for 2016?
My ambition for 2016 is to continue developing my bike and helping the world championship team because it’s important to give back to the community. I will be riding again in the Scottish Six Days Trial once again at the beginning of May and I’m hoping to win that this year as well so I’m going to be busy training for that now.
What are you planning to take back with you from India?
I’ve spent the last few days with the Red Bull team here making a video and doing demonstrations in some colleges to get people interested in the skill of trial biking. I’ve visited a couple of great places in Goa and I’ve met a lot of good people here that just humbles you in the unlikeliest of ways. I hope that this is just the beginning of my love affair with India. I’m definitely looking forward to being back soon and continuing some exciting projects in India.
Thank You ladies and gentlemen, this was Dougie Lampkin for you through an exclusive interview with Motoroids. We wish him all the best for his future endeavours and hope that he is back in India soon with some more offroading action!