LAMPKIN
CONTINUES TO MAKE HISTORY AS HE BECOMES FIRST PERSON TO WHEELIE ENTIRE TT
COURSE
MANCHESTER, GREAT BRITAIN
SUNDAY 25/09/16
History maker and long standing Red Bull athlete Dougie Lampkin continued
to add yet another incredible achievement to his already legendary status as
he successfully managed to wheelie his factory Vertigo continuously around
the entire Isle of Man TT Course. Putting his unblemished and outstanding
reputation at stake, forty-year old Lampkin became the first ever person to
complete the 37.7 mile course on just one wheel with his incredible feat
being shown live on Red Bull TV.
After over seven months of intensive training and meticulous preparation
Dougie's attempt was put in doubt as gale force winds on the famous
motorcycling island meant that the unique and difficult challenge had to be
postponed for twenty-four hours. After the nervous delay Lampkin set out on
his historic journey at five o'clock precisely from the iconic TT grandstand
where a large crowd had gathered to support the twelve times FIM Trial World
Champion.
The sheer magnitude of the task weighed heavily on Lampkin's face with
him looking extremely tense as he made his way down Bray Hill and out
through Quarter Bridge under heavy skies. By the time Dougie had safely
navigated his way through the twists and turns that lead to Glen Helen the
rain was starting to fall with purpose and added an extra level of severity
to the occasion.
Further crowds lined the route as Dougie headed towards Kirk Michael
where an oncoming bus almost blocked his path in the narrow main street,
which would have brought a premature and frustrating end to his attempt.
However, the convoy somehow managed to squeeze through and focus its
attention on Ramsey where newly added road works also increased the level of
jeopardy as Lampkin moved ever closer to the infamous mountain section of
the course.
Whilst the rain had now stopped and the sun was doing its best to shine
through the clouds the weather was about to offer up its toughest test yet
with strong winds being obviously apparent as Dougie negotiated Ramsey
Hairpin with relative ease before running into trouble at the Gooseneck
where he was close to dropping the front wheel twice in quick succession.
With the wind gusting at over 40mph Dougie called for protection and
brought one of his support vehicles alongside to help shield him from the
severe buffeting he was now receiving as both mental and physical fatigue
began to take its toll. Positioned just inches away from the rear of the
lead vehicle Dougie could not afford one single mistake as he fought his way
over the exposed mountain section. The sight of Kate's Cottage and the long
descent to Creg-ny-Baa signalled that Lampkin was now on the final run in
and that he was in with a real chance of reaching his goal.
Despite being exhausted Dougie showed great skill as he survived the
tight turn into Governors Bridge before emerging back onto the famous
Glencrutchery Road where the finish line lay in wait for one of Britain's
most decorated motorcyclists of all time. The sheer relief and delight was
clear to see as Dougie punched the air as he lofted his way over the line
and was greeted by a large cheer from a history witnessing crowd. A few
moments later Lampkin was back in pit lane where the welcome party and his
team started the much deserved celebrations with the obligatory spraying of
champagne that Dougie was soon to bring to his lips.
An unusually emotional Dougie said. "That feels amazing. It was so
tough out there, the wind was much stronger than we expected on the mountain
and really put the whole thing in doubt. To be the first person to wheelie
around the TT course ranks right up there with my best achievements and is
something I won't ever repeat. This project has been difficult and
complicated every step of the way and the weather this weekend was yet
another thing we have had to deal with."
"I can't thank everyone who has make this project possible enough,
my team has been absolutely brilliant and once again Red Bull has helped me
bring to life what was just an idea that has certainly grown in to something
that is massive."
Video
|