Jarvis hits the Roof!
By TMX Archives on 20th Nov 13
Graham Jarvis has secured Bel Ray Husqvarna Extreme Factory Team first Hard Enduro victory at the Roof Of Africa in Lesotho, South Africa.
With the three-day race hit by heavy rain on days two and three, it was Graham Jarvis that best mastered the treacherous conditions to take the victory.
On day one it was Jarvis' teammate Altus De Wet that claimed an early lead in the event. Topping the traditional ‘Round the Houses' prologue and then edging out Jarvis by 13 seconds in the afternoon time trial, De Wet looked favourite to challenge the Brit for victory.
But with day two bringing rain, Jarvis soon forged ahead on his Husqvarna FE 250 as De Wet unfortunately ran into trouble. However, with navigation proving difficult, the Brit narrowly missed out on a GPS route marker and was penalised three minutes.
Entering the third and final day of the race Jarvis got off to a determined start. Revelling in the incredibly muddy and slippery conditions, he delivered a master class of Hard Enduro riding.
Catching and passing early race leader Chris Birch as they entered the Mokopu Pass climb, Jarvis was already 25 minutes clear of his rival as they reached the summit. Continuing his unrelenting pace – despite the heavy rain – he crossed the finish line on Bushman's Pass with an incredible 59-minute margin of victory.
Results – 2013 Roof of Africa Hard Enduro
1. Graham Jarvis (Bel Ray Husqvarna Extreme) 13:56:00; 2. Chris Birch (KTM) 14:54:55; 3. Scott Bouverie (KTM) 15:32:49; 4. Blake Gutzeit (Sherco) 15:38:34; 5. Ben Hemingway (Beta) 15:57:54; 6. Kenny Gilbert (Yamaha) 16:22:37; 7. Altus De Wet (Husqvarna) 16:43:54...
