KTM’s Cody Webb and Alfredo Gomez finish 2-3 in epic Red Bull Hare Scramble 2016

Erzbergrodeo 2016 wrapped up on Sunday on Austria’s Iron Mountain with the spectacular Red Bull Hare Scramble, resulting in a triumphant victory for veteran Graham Jarvis. KTM USA’s Cody Webb and Red Bull KTM factory rider Alfredo Gomez of Spain fought out a battle of attrition for the minor podium places, especially in the final stages in the extremely difficult ‘Lazy Noon’ final climb.

Jarvis was however in a class of his own, taking his third victory by more than 30-minutes to equal Red Bull KTM factory rider Jonny Walker’s three wins at Erzberg. Walker was unable to compete because he is still recovering from injury but said in the finish area: “Graham did a faultless race.” Alfredo Gomez was heading for second place with the new KTM 300 EXC MY17 going into the last big challenge but needed multiple attempts to get to the summit before the final run to the line.

Webb appeared to have a crisis moment going through the incredibly difficult Karl’s Dinner rock section and commented later: “It was so rough. I knew I just had to survive. I was able to keep Alfredo in my sights. Then the last climb was so difficult I didn’t think we were going to make it. Luckily I was able to pass Alfredo. This is such a surreal feeling and I’m just so glad KTM gave me the opportunity to come over here.”

It was an eventful day for Gomez, who was a joint winner in 2015. He started strongly in the top five and even led the race at one of the early stages. Then he crashed hard and broke his backpack, including his supply of rehydration drink. By the time he reached the final big climb he said he was extremely tired. “I tried to find the right line, but it was impossible. I tried in third and second gear and I needed many times to do it. But the bike was good and I am happy to be on the podium.”

Spanish rider Mario Roman gained two places on the slope to finish fourth ahead of UK KTM rider Billy Bolt and South African Wade Young, both clearly the next generation of Hard Enduro riders.

In fact Bolt was one of the big stories of the 2016 edition. A new talent in the racing stable of manager Julian Stephens, he qualified at 51st on the second row and was fourth about 45 minutes from the end. But he lost the chain on his bike and had to do some emergency repairs. When he got to the final climb he flew past two riders to finish fifth in his debut Hare Scramble.

Bolt: “Julian told me after ‘Dynamite’ that the others were struggling at ‘Lazy Noon’. He said I should attack here and make sure I get up the hill. That went well and I got past Wayne and Taddy and I’m delighted to get to the finish line.”

Young, Paul Bolton and five-times winner Taddy Blazusiak finished 6-8. Blazusiak, the most winning rider at the Erzbergrodeo with five victories to his name, dropped down the order after damaging a brake lever about half way through the race. Then he broke the clutch lever. He soldiered on but had particular difficulty on the last climb, which required all his skills to make it to the top without a clutch lever. KTM rider Philipp Scholz finished ninth.

Blazusiak: “After that happened I thought that was it to be honest, and I just tried to finish. This is racing. I was happy to have been in the lead in the first part of the race and to have the speed to keep up with the boys today. I made my mistake and that was it.”

Alex Doringer, KTM’s Division Manager Enduro and Rally congratulated the event organizers add thanked all those involved in the organization. Of his riders he said: “It was a shame that Taddy had the problem because he led for a long while at the start and without this, maybe he would have been on the podium. I’m very impressed with the character and form of Cody and it was a super result to have the first American on the podium. It was also a shame Alfredo had the problems on the last climb. I was very surprised by the 18-year-old Bolt, and to get that result after starting from the second row was naturally amazing. He is a very promising rider.”

There is a strict four-hour limit to finish the race, which this year yielded nine finishers in the regulation time.

Some 500 riders qualify for the Red Bull Hare Scramble, which starts with lines of 50 riders at the bottom of the tiered mountain, honed into giant steps by mining that dates back to the Roman times. The race takes riders over incredible obstacles some 31 km to the finish line and requires skills ranging from Motocross to Extreme Enduro and endurance riding. It is a course that takes no prisoners. Erzberg is still a working mine.

Results Red Bull Hare Scramble 2016 Erzbergrodeo XXII
1. Graham Jarvis (GBR), Husqvarna, 2:18:47 h
2. Cody Webb (USA), KTM, +33:07 min
3. Alfredo Gómez (ESP), KTM, +36:02
4. Mario Roman (ESP), Husqvarna, +58:19
5. Billy Bolt (GBR), KTM, +1:08:46 h
6. Wade Young (RSA), Sherco, +1:12:28
7. Paul Bolton (GBR), KTM, +1:19:35
8. Taddy Blazusiak (POL), KTM, +1:23:08
9. Philipp Scholz (GER), KTM, +1:37:24