Six thousand Spanish trials followers cheered in

Madrid when world champion Dougie Lampkin trashed his immaculate Radson Montesa on the very first section of the first heat in the vast Palice de los Deportes stadium.

But Typical Lampkin grit shone through as he gathered up the twisted debris and grabbed his spare Montesa in defiance to make amends and finish two penalties behind qualifier winner Albert Cabestany.

The Silsden rider then completed the eight sections, won two races, and cleared the high jump for a loss of only nine more marks. Two extra tests were added for the final but Lampkin had an ace up his sleeve when he conquered the slippery waterfall section.

That great ride silenced the spectators who realised that after all their jeering and catcalls the Brit just delivered in his usual unflappable style.

"It was nice to win the final round, and now I am looking forward to the outdoor championship that begins in Spain next month," said Dougie.

"Because of the current situation at home we plan to stay in Spain and practise. It will be nice to start the new campaign with a win, but it will not be easy with the Spanish riders being on home ground."

After his podium finish, his tenth win in 11 events, he recorded the highest winning margin in world points - 59.

Two weeks before the world outdoor opener, Lampkin may ride in a three day trial at nearby Olot, and be joined by cousin Ben Hemingway and his GP Beta.

Results: 1 Dougie Lampkin (GB) Radson Montesa, 13, 2 Albert Cabestany (Esp) Beta, 16; 3 Marc Freixa (Esp) Bultaco, 17. Non-qualifiers: 4 Marc Colomer (Esp) Gas Gas, 17, 5 Steve Colley (GB) Gas Gas, 20, 6 Takahisa Fujinami (JPN) Montesa HRC, 24. Final world championship points: 1 Lampkin 217, 2 Freixa 158, 3 Colomer 153, 4 Cabestany, 149, 5 Colley 139, 6 Fujinami 122.