Cody Webb Podiums at Erzberg | Highlights

May 29, 2016, 3:45pm

The action got serious from the start, as the first gravel ascent took its toll, with several riders struggling with the section and rolling back down the hill. Five-time Erzberg winner and favorite Taddy Blazusiak (POL), mastered the section easily and took the lead ahead of a field packed with some of the greatest off-road racers in the world. Blazusiak was soon passed by Cody Webb (USA), leading the top flight with Blazusiak, Alfredo Gomez (ESP) and Wade Young (RSA) to the first check point. Then, Graham Jarvis (GBR), winner in 2013 and 2015, caught up and took the lead, reaching the infamous Carl's Dinner ahead of Webb and Gomez. Taddy Blazusiak struggled with a broken brake lever and clutch problems that saw him drop back to ninth place by Carl’s Dinner.

Jarvis extended his lead and after 2 hours and 15 minutes (1.5 hours faster than in 2015) and encouraged by the cheering crowd, reached the finish line and was awarded the winning winning flag. After victories in 2013 and 2015 and a second place in 2014, he is one of the most successful riders at the Red Bull Hare Scramble. Behind Jarvis, Gomez and Webb were locked in battle for second place. Things intensified as the Spaniard took his KTM into the key “Lazy Noon” climb with a comfortable lead, but he couldn’t clear the obstacle before Webb arrived. After several tries, it was Webb who mastered the climb to claim second place as he sped away to the finish line, making him the first American to ever podium at the race. Mario Roman (ESP) caught up impressively and queued behind the top flight in fourth place.

Results

1. Graham Jarvis (GBR) 02:18:47
2. Cody Webb (USA) +00:33:07
3. Alfredo Gomez (ESP) +00:36:02
4. Mario Roman (ESP) +00:58:19
5. Billy Bolt (GBR) +01:08:46
6. Wade Young (RSA) +01:12:28
7. Paul Bolton (GBR) +01:19:35
8. Taddy Blazusiak (POL) +01:23:08
9. Philipp Scholz (GER) +01:37:24