JARVIS TAKES
ANOTHER ERZBERG TITLE
ritish enduro freak Graham Jarvis has added
another Erzbergrodeo title to his name after
storming to the top of the Iron Giant again at
this year’s event.
The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider
not only secured a record-equalling fifth victory at the
world’s toughest one-day hard enduro, but his efforts
meant he is also a back-to-back winner with his win at
the 25th running of the Erzbergrodeo Hare Scramble.
Jarvis entered the 2019 Erzbergrodeo as a firm
favourite for claiming yet another win but also well-
aware that a stacked field would mean anything less
than his absolute best would likely prevent him from
earning victory.
As he has so many times before, the British rider
worked his way towards the front of the Pro class
following a cautious start before once again
showing his true class by delivering a calm and
calculated performance and a pace that no other
rider could match.
Safely through the event’s first checkpoint but down
in 14th position, Jarvis methodically started working
his way forwards, passing rider after rider to reach
the one-hour mark in third position and well-placed
to challenge for the lead. Calmly through the first
refuelling stop and into the infamous Carl’s Dinner
section, he delivered what would be the winning
blow. Pulling away from Manni Lettenbichler, his then
closest challenger, Jarvis arrived at the Green Hell
section as the all-important race leader.
26 KIWI RIDER
Unable to scale the near-vertical climb in one go,
Jarvis maintained his cool despite seeing Lettenbichler
arrive at his rear-wheel. Once clear after pushing his
way to the top, he made light work of the remaining
and often troublesome Dynamite and Lazy Noon
sections to complete the 35.2-kilometre course in a
time of two hours and 27 minutes and collect a well-
deserved fifth Erzbergrodeo victory.
“I think this could be the most important Erzberg
victory of my career”, said Jarvis. “A lot of people
were talking about my age, and at 44 I did have
some doubts about my fitness for the full race.
But I just kept my focus and kept pushing. I knew I
would have work to do from the start, but the faster
sections of the race, early on, never really suit me.
Once I got to Carl’s Dinner, I started to make up
time. It was different to when I walked it, and I was
feeling it physically, but it went really well. I managed
to lead going into Green Hell, but it was close there
with Manni. I just had to keep pushing after that. It’s
amazing to be a five-time Erzberg winner.”
With three rounds of the 2019 World Enduro
Super Series now complete, Graham Jarvis sits third
in the championship standings behind Manuel
Lettenbichler (KTM) and Sherco’s Mario Roman.
Following medical advice, Rockstar Energy
Husqvarna Factory Racing took the decision that
Colton Haaker shouldn’t travel to the Erzbergrodeo
having aggravated his back training in the USA.