LAMPKIN TAKES THE LEAD
It was an overcast day that welcomed the full house of 288 riders on the opening day of the SSDT. It was all changed for the routes over the six days, which had seen a dramatic shake-up from the usual first sections at Coire na Cloiche and Leanachan that have been the opening groups on day one for many years. Instead, the opening sections would now be up on the Mamore Road at Slubaich and Upper Mamore, giving the riders an early feel of the Scottish Highlands.
Of the expected riders to challenge for the win, it was Billy Green (Scorpa), who had the early number, 47, with Jack Peace (Sherco) the opposite, number 262, right at the back of the entry. Dougie Lampkin and his son Alfie were just after the 100 mark, at 101 and 111 on the Vertigos.
Dougie was on form, recording a faultless day, whereas Jack Peace recorded a single two-mark loss and Green a single mark in the second section at Eas a Bhodaich and another at Glen Stockdale. Sam Connor (Beta) was next, along with the older of the two Peace brothers, Dan, on three.
The surprise package of the opening day was the ride from the ex-world championship rider from Germany, Franz Kadlec (TRRS), who was also on three marks lost alongside the six-time runner-up at this event Michael Brown (GASGAS).
In the fight for the 125cc class award, Scotland’s very own Jamie Galloway (TRRS) was ninth on five marks lost, the same as fellow Scot Gary MacDonald (Scorpa).
RESULTS: 1: Dougie Lampkin (Vertigo) 1; 2: Jack Peace (Sherco) 2; 3: Billy Green (Scorpa) 2; 4: Sam Connor (Beta) 2; 5: Dan Peace (Sherco) 2; 6: Franz Kadlec (TRRS-GER) 3; 7: Michael Brown (GASGAS) 3; 8: Tom Minta (GASGAS) 4; 9: Jamie Galloway (GASGAS) 5; 10: Gary MacDonald (Scorpa) 5.
BEST PERFORMANCE: Dougie Lampkin (Vertigo).