Graham Jarvis second at Hixpania Hard Enduro
By Team TMX on 7th Nov 16
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing enjoyed a double podium result at the Hixpania Hard Enduro with Graham Jarvis and Mario Roman placing second and third.
Competing in the first edition of the three-day Hixpania Hard Enduro in northern Spain the Husqvarna duo secured winning results during the first two days of racing before finishing on the overall podium at the end of day three.
Entering the race following his victory at the GetzenRodeo the previous weekend, Jarvis was focused on claiming the top step of the podium once more. Battling his way through heavy rain during the first day of competition he put his Husqvarna TE 300 in front with victory in the urban endurocross night race.
Facing a 60-kilometre long enduro on day two, Jarvis again featured heavily at the sharp end of the results as he delivered a relaxed ride for third and an all-important front row start for Sunday's main event.
Despite getting caught in traffic during the start of day three's race, he quickly worked his way forward. But damaging his exhaust pipe on a rock forced him to pit for repairs at the end of lap one.
Losing eight minutes during repairs to the damage, Jarvis worked overtime to recover. Posting the fastest laps during the end of the race he fought his way back to an eventual runner-up result.
For Roman, Hixpania marked his first time competing in a major Hard Enduro event on home soil. Looking to deliver a strong result he showed his winning pace with a commanding victory on day two, leading home the 200-plus field of riders.
Recovering quickly following a bad start in Sunday's main event, he ended the opening lap in second and held the position until Jarvis passed him with 50 minutes to go. Unable to match the pace of his Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate in the closing stages of the race Roman finished third.
The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing riders will next compete in Ukupacha Extreme Enduro in Ecuador on November 12.
Graham Jarvis: "I'm a little disappointed not to win but I gave it my best shot despite a major problem on lap one of the main race. I didn't get a great start, Le Mans starts never really suit me, but I quickly made up the places I lost until about midway around the opening lap. Then I hit my exhaust on a rock. I had to stop and make repairs and that cost me about eight minutes. It was always going to be hard to win after that. At about the halfway mark I got up to second but Alfredo Gomez was too far in front. Overall, it's been an enjoyable weekend's racing, the organisers did a great job with everything for their first time.”
Mario Roman: "I've really enjoyed this race. It's been a really good event and so nice to race in front of my family and friends in a Hard Enduro. I wanted to give them a victory but finishing on the podium in third is still a very good result. Sunday's main race was very nice. Technical and tough riding. I felt quite strong and held second position for the majority of the race only for Graham to pass me near the end. It was also great to get the win in Saturday's race. I'm happy with how things have gone.”
Results - Hixpania Hard Enduro
1. Alfredo Gomez (KTM)
2. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna)
3. Mario Roman (Husqvarna)
