Lampkin loses crown

Takahisa Fujinami is the new world trials champion – after finishing second in the last five title fights. But that means it is the end of seven straight world championship wins for Britain’s Dougie Lampkin.

Japan’s Fujinami won eight victories (out of a possible 14) and won by 24 points from his nearest rival Lampkin – who won the final round in Switzerland on Saturday and Sunday (Sep 4-5).

Fujinami said: “This is the best day of my life and I hope that I’ll soon be having another happy day, because soon I’m going to be the father of a baby girl. I’ve been fighting to get here for a long time, working a lot, a real lot, and fighting year after year against that great champion, Dougie. The dream has finally come true.”

Lampkin said: “After seven years as champion it’s hard for me to accept not being champion again but Fujinami has performed a great season and I’ve made mistakes that caused me to lose races and very important points. I won yesterday and again today because in this last world trial I wanted to make it clear to everyone that I’m still in the race and that next year I aim to get the title back.”