By Wes Siler, Hell for Leather
How hard is Italy’s Hell’s Gate Hard Enduro? Well, the number of finishers is up this year from two to five. And the list of those who didn't finish includes world-class trials riders like Dougie Lampkin.
[partner id="hellforleather"]Yeah, it's that hard.
Not only is the race so grueling that only a handful of riders even complete the six-lap event, those who do make it to the end need help from spectators who drag the bikes up the final incline. It's an arduous task that involves using hand-fashioned hooks and tow ropes to haul the bikes to the top of incredibly steep hills slick with snow, ice and mud.
Seventeen riders made it through the first lap of the six-hour race. That dropped to 11 by the end of the second lap, and the grid continued dwindling as the laps racked up. Graham Jarvis was the toughest of the tough, taking first place at last week's event at Il Ciocco in the Tuscany region.
Red Bull finally released pics and videos of the race, which was held Feb. 18.
- Photos: Olaf Pignataro/Red Bull Content Pool*
Competitors leave the line during the grueling Hell's Gate 2012 in Il Ciocco, Lucca Italy. Seventeen people started the event. Five finished.
Dougie Lampkin was among the casualties of the grueling course, which included steep climbs, wicked descents and lots of mud. He was out by the end of the fifth lap.
Cody Webb was among the 11 who made it through the third lap of the six-lap race.
Ben Hemingway negotiates a rocky, narrow trail through the woods.
Daniel Hemingway gets an assist up the hill. Spectator assistance isn't just encouraged, it's needed if competitors are to complete the gnarly course.
First-place finisher Graham Jarvis (barely) climbs the final section of Hell's Gate, the steep "Hell's Peak."
