DOUGIE LAMPKIN swept to his fifth World Trial Championship tittle last weekend -- but organisers certainly didn't make the going easy.

Competitors complained about the severity of the course in the mountainous country of Andorra, which is sandwiched between France and Spain high in the Pyrenees. They were concerned that the severe course was too dangerous, both for those taking part and the thousands of spectators.

On the first day Dougie only recorded three 'cleans' as the savage course took its toll, leaving him to pick up maximum penalties on five sections, a string of penalties almost unheard of since Lampkin joined the professional ranks.

Lampkin ended the day in second place behind Spanish rider Feixa Marc.

He thought he had done enough to clinch the title, but was frustrated to learn that an observer had later changed the master scoreboard - and leaving him just one point away from claiming the world crown.

After finishing the day's ride he said: "Some of the sections have been crazy, but now all I am concerned about is winning tomorrow - the championship will take care of itself in due course."

On Sunday he dropped back into second place again, this time behind fellow British rider Graham Jarvis, but he had done enough to claim his fifth successive Outdoor World Championship with one round of the competition to go.

He had hoped to take the honour in style with a final day victory in the mountains. He pulled out a superb second round, but was content with second place.

After crossing the finishing line he said: "I'm obviously delighted to have taken the championship early and I thought I had done enough to win this event, but to be fair to Graham he must have had a brilliant last lap because I rode well this afternoon.

"I like to win every trial I ride in but I must learn to accept that I will be beaten on occasions.

"It has been a fantastic season again with my dad and cousin James working really hard at every round, and the guys from Montesa-HRC have also given me great support. I know it is seen as an individual sport but I would like to tank all my team for helping me to the title again."

He added: "After I have celebrated with my family and friends my next task is to win in the Czech Republic in a few weeks time. the championship may be decided but there are trials still to be won and work to do if I want to continue to win again next year.

"Each year there are riders who are going to challenge me and this year has been no exception, especially with the improved form of Frexia and Raga, but over a whole season I still believe I have the strength and consistency to hold them off.

"I just hope I can do it for a few more seasons and reach my overall goal of beating Jorde Tarres' record of seven outdoor titles, although I already have a new record having won five in a row compared to his three."

The final round is in the Czech Republic on the first weekend in August.

n Next weekend the Lampkin team are to be part of a bumper event in Silsden Park aimed at raising money for the Silsden Pool Appeal.