Graham Jarvis Dominates

2014 Hells Gate

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www.fullnoise.com.au  Enduro News By: Aaryn Minerds

Bel-Ray Husqvarna Enduro Team rider Graham Jarvis has once again showed that he is the man to beat when it comes to Hard Enduro racing, winning the 11th running of the Hell’s Gate event in Italy.  


The English rider raced to his forth victory at what is considered one of the world toughest enduro events finishing 22 minutes ahead of second placed rider Jonny Walker

A three-time winner heading into the 2014 edition of the race, Jarvis needed just half a lap to work his way into the lead of the main event having made a cautious start. Well aware just how challenging the Tuscan course can be, Graham’s pace was simply too strong for his rivals and with two of the five laps completed the TE 300 mounted rider was five minutes ahead. Stopping briefly for his first fuel stop, as Jarvis headed towards the night he further extended his lead. 

With all riders that fall more than 30 minutes behind the race leader withdrawn from the event, for many it was a one-lap race. Half way around the penultimate lap just four riders remained in the competition, with Jarvis setting a relentless pace out front. 

Not wanting to risk throwing away the hard work he’d done during the first four laps of the race, Jarvis cautiously made his way around the fifth and last lap before finally arriving at the top of Hell’s Peak as a deserved and convincing winner. 

“It’s great to get a fourth win here at Hell’s Gate." Jarvis stated. "I’ve raced here so many times over the years that I know what to expect, but this year’s race was definitely one of the toughest. 

"I was pleased with second in the morning enduro – it gave me a good starting position and all I wanted to do was get around the first few corners without any mistakes. We went off the start almost directly into a massive water hole. I took it easy there, but it didn't take too long before I was back into the top three. 

Andreas Lettenbichler and Cody Webb both made mistakes and then I got around Jonny Walker, and then just put my head down. I moved into the lead about half way around the first lap. I was expecting things to be easier this year with no ice and snow, but the rocks were really slippery. The extra, fifth, lap made it hard. 

"We rode close to two laps in the dark, but apart from a few falls I didn't have any problems. It’s great to win by a good margin and give Husqvarna their first Hell’s Gate win.” Jarvis concluded.


Jonny Walker raced to a second place finish at this years Hells gate - Credit: Jonty Edmunds / KTM Images
 

Walker was a little disappointed to finish second at the Italian event, but has vowed to head home and work even harder leading into the next Hard Enduro event. 

“I had a good qualifying race this morning, as I made about 30-seconds on everyone in the first test, then around 10 more in the second test, which meant I could chill out a little." Walker explained. "I was still pushing, but I could be a bit more careful not to make a mistake and I won the morning race. 

In the afternoon race I got a good start, and I was pushing, but Graham managed to catch me, as I couldn’t even ride in a straight line I was riding that badly. I tried to follow him, but he got away and the first two laps of the afternoon race were just horrendous, as I couldn’t get into a smooth rhythm. 

"For the third lap I pulled myself together and the rest of the race went okay, as I got a good rhythm going, and I didn’t lose much time to him then, but the damage had already been done early on. I was riding with Cody for a while, but I had a chance to make a little break and I pushed hard to get away from him, then in the pits we had a great pit-stop with Julian and Sebastian doing a great job. 

"I think the next race will be different, as it’s sandy ground and a lot faster, which will suit me better, but I know what I’ve got to improve and I will go back home to make those changes for the next one.” 

U.S Beta rider, Cody Webb rounded out the podium in third with KTM Lettenbichler and Suzuki mounted Italian Diego Nicoletti finishing in 4th and 5th places respectively.


Graham Jarvis celebrates his race victory with his team - Credit: Husqvarna Racing
 

Hell’s Gate Final Results:
1. Graham Jarvis, GBR Husqvarna
2 Jonny Walker, GBR, KTM
3. Cody Webb, USA, Beta
4. Andreas Lettenbichler , GER, KTM
5. Diego Nicoletti, ITA, Suzuki

Top Image: Graham Jarvis on his way to winning the 2014 edition of Hells Gate. 
Credit: Husqvarna Racing

 
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