Spaniard wins second Red Bull Hare Scramble in Austrian open-pit mine

By MR Presse, 19 June, 2017

Every year, Red Bull Hare Scramble puts the world’s best riders to the test like no other race on the Enduro calendar. It offers steep climbs, scree fields and forest stages; all paced by infamous Machine, Bathtub, Carl’s Dinner, Green Hell and Dynamite sections.

Shortly after the start, three-time Erzberg winner Jonny Walker (GBR) took the lead ahead of Wade Young (RSA), Cody Webb (USA) and Billy Bolt (GBR). But Gomez quickly appeared on Walker’s heels followed by Webb and Bolt, while Young fell back into fifth.

At the Carl‘s Dinner section, Gomez finally overtook Walker. Last year’s winner Graham Jarvis (GBR) also came back charging, leaving Walker in his dust. But Gomez kept on building his lead. Jarvis tried to defend his title, but Gomez was just too strong and after 2 hours and 17 minutes, the Spaniard reached the Erzberg Rodeo Arena in first. The chequered flag was waved, crowds cheered, and Gomez enjoyed his second triumph here, two years after his first win in 2015.

Thanks to a sensational comeback, Jarvis crossed the line in second place 3 minutes and 22 seconds later. Webb took third to complete the podium.

FINAL STANDINGS*
Alfredo Gomez (ESP) 02:17:06
Graham Jarvis (GBR) +00:03:22
Cody Webb (USA) +00:05:04
Wade Young (RSA) +00:09:31
Jonny Walker (GBR) +00:10:41
Paul Bolton (GBR) +00:15:53
Billy Bolt (GBR) +00:18:24
Manuel Lettenbichler (GER) +00:24:47
Mario Roman (ESP) +00:30:20
Travis Teasdale (GBR) +00:34:06

For further information, please visit www.erzbergrodeo.at.
Foto: Vidic, Platzer

QUOTES

Alfredo Gomez (ESP – winner 2015): “The test rides really paid off, I am super happy about my win! I’d like to dedicate this win to my parents, who sadly couldn’t be here because my mother had had an accident.”

Graham Jarvis (UK – winner 2013, 2015 and 2016): “At the beginning, I messed up a number of the climbs. That was my own fault. But that’s why I am really happy with my second-place finish!”

Cody Webb (USA – 2nd place in 2016): “The race turned out differently than I’d expected. I had real problems with my arms, since they were cramping up. And Alfredo was better, pure and simple. That’s why I am incredibly happy that the race turned out for me as well as it did!”

Karl Katoch (organizer): “This year’s course was absolutely perfect – my thanks go out to the team, who did some amazing work and guaranteed a superb race! Alfredo Gomez rode in a league of his own and his win was more than deserved!”