Jarvis was however in a class of his own, taking his third victory by more than 30-minutes to equal Red Bull KTM factory rider Jonny Walker’s three wins at Erzberg. Walker was unable to compete because he is still recovering from injury but said in the finish area: “Graham did a faultless race.” Alfredo Gomez was heading for second place with the new KTM 300 EXC MY17 going into the last big challenge but needed multiple attempts to get to the summit before the final run to the line.

Webb appeared to have a crisis moment going through the incredibly difficult Karl’s Dinner rock section and commented later: “It was so rough. I knew I just had to survive. I was able to keep Alfredo in my sights. Then the last climb was so difficult I didn’t think we were going to make it. Luckily I was able to pass Alfredo. This is such a surreal feeling and I’m just so glad KTM gave me the opportunity to come over here.”

It was an eventful day for Gomez, who was a joint winner in 2015. He started strongly in the top five and even led the race at one of the early stages. Then he crashed hard and broke his backpack, including his supply of rehydration drink. By the time he reached the final big climb he said he was extremely tired. “I tried to find the right line, but it was impossible. I tried in third and second gear and I needed many times to do it. But the bike was good and I am happy to be on the podium.”

Spanish rider Mario Roman gained two places on the slope to finish fourth ahead of UK KTM rider Billy Bolt and South African Wade Young, both clearly the next generation of Hard Enduro riders.

In fact Bolt was one of the big stories of the 2016 edition. A new talent in the racing stable of manager Julian Stephens, he qualified at 51st on the second row and was fourth about 45 minutes from the end. But he lost the chain on his bike and had to do some emergency repairs. When he got to the final climb he flew past two riders to finish fifth in his debut Hare Scramble.

资料提供 [ KTM ]