DOUGIE Lampkin scored a morale-boosting victory at the French Invitation Trial, held in Toulouse.

Lampkin, who failed to qualify for the fourth round of the World Indoor series last week, bounced back with a comfortable win over his rivals.

The Sandiford of Burnley rider dominated the night on his HRC-Montesa, winning both laps to beat Spaniard Adam Raga by four marks.

"I made mistakes in Koblenz, so I practised even harder all week and it seems to have paid off, "he said.

"Although there were only a limited number of sections, they seemed to suit my style. The result has certainly boosted my confidence going into the next round in Marseille this weekend.

"If I can produce a similar level of riding on Saturday, I don't think I will be far away. It's important to close the gap on Raga before we go to Barcelona, as he's going to have massive home support."

A capacity crowd of 5,000 French fans packed the Toulouse sports arena for the annual invitation-only event.

The format of five observed sections and one twin-lane race had an Egyptian-style backdrop, set in a landscape of sand and pyramids.

A total of five marks dropped -- on the logs, water hazard and the staircase -- put Lampkin three clear of last week's winner Takahisa Fujinami, as the best four riders moved onto lap two.

Another five was enough to keep the reigning outdoor champion ahead, with championship leader Raga and fellow Spaniard Albert Cabestany joining him on the podium.