Dougie Lampkin was back at the sharp end of the action as he placed second at the Extreme XL Paredes enduro in Lagares, Portugal for the second year running.

The Silsden rider had to play second fiddle to Graham Jarvis on the day but put in a typically determined performance to secure runners-up spot against a quality international field.

Lampkin put the disappointment of his mechanical woes at the recent Sea to Sky event behind him as he qualified in second place for the super final in Lagares to claim a front-row start for the following day’s main race.

The 2011 winner knew he would need to be at his very best to keep Jarvis at bay but had at least given himself every chance by lining up alongside his main rival.

Although the Gas Gas rider made a good start, he found himself back in third place as he got to grips with the Portuguese terrain that featured a mixture of wooded areas and rocky sections in the nearby hills.

In dry conditions, Red Bull-backed Lampkin began his push for victory after the second fuel stop and overhauled Alfredo Gomez before setting his sights on Jarvis.

After three-and-a-half tough hours in the saddle, Lampkin had to concede the win to Jarvis, despite having kept him within a few minutes’ reach throughout the closing stages.

The former multi-FIM Trial world champion said: “As always my aim was to win but fair play to Graham, he rode a strong race and had the beating of me.

“He is very much the guy to beat in these kind of events nowadays and has become a real specialist, as opposed to me who has hardly ridden my enduro bike during this year.

“As my results have shown, Lagares is an event that tends to suit me and is one I thoroughly enjoy.

“Overall I am happy with second place, especially after what happened at Sea to Sky, and shows that I can still hold my own – even against the younger riders.

“Apart from my bike falling over on the start line and snapping the front-brake lever, it has pretty much been a drama-free day.”

Lampkin now turns his attention to his trials bike in preparation for the Scott Trial on Saturday.