Birch 1st in Exciting Finish
Roof of Africa day 2
www.motorcycle-usa.com Courtesy of Monster Energy
From Clive Strugnall first of all...
As expected there has been incredible drama on the second day of the Roof. The determination to win from the top 10 riders this year in unbelievable. Chris Birch and Graham Jarvis have been literally banging bars like junior MX right from the 6am start at Bushman's Pass this morning. After the heat and scorching sunshine yesterday this morning dawned overcast and cool, and the steady rain which started during the night continued to fall steadily all day. The parched dusty trails and passes soon turned slick and slipperier than an oily billiard ball, putting even more pressure on the riders.
Behind Birchy and Jarvis, Altus de Wet, Last year's winner Wade Young, Travis Teasdale, Kenny Gilbert and ran nose to tail, swopping places as they charged toward the first refuel point. Birch and Jarvis arrived first and left side by side, about five minutes ahead of the chasing bunch. At the next marshal point Birch, Jarvis were so intent on their dice that they somehow took a wrong turn and left the route, letting the flying Altus de Wet into the lead. He arrived at the next marshal some 10 minutes ahead of the chasing pack. By the time Birch and Jarvis had rejoined the route they had been caught by Young, Teasdale, Gillet and amazingly, Ben Hemmingway. sadly along the way last year's winner Wade Young had to retire with mechanical problems.
The pace was even more frantic, and by the time they reached the marshal back at St Benendict's Birch and Jarvis had caught up their 10 min deficit and scratched into the lead, which they held to the end of the day's section at Bushman's Pass.
With the proverbial blanket covering the top 10 riders, the lead was chopping and changing throughout the morning with navigation becoming a critical factor in the days outcome.
(Above) Altus De Wet suffered issues on Day 2 and dropped out of the top-10. (Below) Rains showed up on Day 2, adding to the difficulty of an already challenging race.
Chris Birch was sitting in 7th spot leaving the DSP, but made short work of the riders in front of him, himself and Jarvis pushed to the front of the field. Still battling with navigational issues the two missed the 2nd DSP, but charged ahead for a dramatic finish at the top of Bushman's Pass. Birch caught Jarvis at the top of the Mountain and bombed past the Englishman for one of the most exciting finishes in the races history.
Reigning champion Wade Young was forced to retire after seizing his motor, while last years runner up, Altus De Wet has also suffered issues and dropped out of the top 10.
It seems like tonight will be a busy one for the Clerk Course as there are a host of appeals to consider this evening.
Preliminary results:
1: Chris Birch (KTM) - 6h11m47
2: Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) - 6h12m33
3: Ben Hemingway (Beta) - 6h15m12
4: Blake Gudzeit (Sherco/Monster Energy) - 6h20m02
5: James Hodson (Yamaha) - 6h22m49
6: Dan Hemigway (Beta)
7: Shannon Frost (KTM)
8: Kenny Gilbert (Yamaha)
9: Scott Bouverie (KTM)
10: Bronson Louw (Yamaha)