It's Hell on earth
By TMX Archives on 11th Feb 15
Jarvis gunning for fifth straight win at Extreme opener in Italy
Extreme enduro hits the headlines this weekend with the first major race on the 2015 calendar set for Hell's Gate in Italy.
Always a toughie, the Il Ciocco course won't offer riders an easy ride to start the year off.
Master of the Il Ciocco trails around the Tuscany countryside, Husqvarna's Graham Jarvis enters the race as the defending champion.
Claiming a massive 22-minute margin of victory last time out, Jarvis is odds on favourite to secure his fifth consecutive victory at Hell's Gate and further cement himself as the most successful rider in the history of the event.
Expected to offer the greatest challenge to Jarvis, Jonny Walker (KTM) heads to Italy still searching for that elusive debut Hell's Gate win.
Consistently placing as runner-up to Jarvis since 2012, Walker has grown tired of second place and will be aiming once and for all to dispose Jarvis off the top step of the podium.
Already beating him at the Ales Trem shakedown two weeks ago, Walker knows exactly what it takes to get the job done.
Firing on all cylinders, Andreas Lettenbichler (KTM) also heads to Hell's Gate off the back of a strong ride at Ales Trem.
As the only rider to give both Jarvis and Walker a serious run for their money, Lettenbichler clearly has the pace to fight for a podium result.
Although missing in action at Ales Trem, Jarvis' teammate Alfredo Gomez travels to Italy looking to build on a successful end to 2014.
Claiming his debut extreme enduro win in what was an injury riddled season – he missed Hell's Gate 2014 due to appendicitis – Gomez is out to make amends this time around. Nothing less than a podium result will do for the Spaniard.
Next best of the Brits to Walker and Jarvis are the Beta-mounted Hemingway brothers of Ben and Dan.
With a wealth of trials experience at their disposal, the duo have what it takes to see the gruelling race through.
Fifth in 2013, Ben has his sights set on reaching the top of the formidable Hell's Peak in 2015 while Dan won't be too far behind.
