Imagine this: you start a world championship race in 16th position, facing a grueling track through rugged mountains on an intensely hot day, and you win the race! Only one man in the hard enduro world can pull off such a feat – Graham Jarvis. This is the remarkable story of his triumph on the 2nd Off-Road Day at the Xross Hard Enduro Rally in Serbia.
Following a stellar win on Thursday, Wade Young began the second off-road day with determination and a strong will to secure another victory. Early in the race, he engaged in a fierce battle with Teodor Kabakchiev, and many anticipated one of them to clinch the top spot. The 100-kilometer-long track led riders through Mokra Gora, a seemingly tamed mountain.
However, with Mike Skinner and his crew designing the course, wild and challenging lines were inevitable. The 2nd Off-Road Day featured tracks in uncharted wilderness, providing a true hard enduro adventure. The intense heat further drained the riders’ energy, leaving them utterly exhausted.
Despite the grueling conditions, the battle between Young and Kabakchiev raged on, with Michael Walkner close behind. Then came the man who once again lived up to his nickname, the Silent Assassin – Graham Jarvis. Using his vast experience and unmatched skills, Jarvis masterfully overtook the lead, crossing the finish line 19 seconds ahead of Young, with Kabakchiev finishing third. What a race!
Riders in other categories – Expert, Hobby, and Amateur – also faced a challenging day. They battled the obstacles on Mokra Gora and the scorching heat, crossing the finish line dusty, sweaty, and utterly exhausted, yet with smiles, proud to have met the challenge.
In the Expert Class, Grecu Sergiu from Romania emerged as the fastest rider, followed by his compatriot Paul Christian Harpa and Germany's Timo Bergman. Chriss Green led the Hobby class, with Stefan Graw in second and Jakob Blazovich in third. In the Amateur Class, Dan Choules won, with Taj Caro in second place and Mark Lewis in third.
Three days, three winners – the excitement is at an all-time high. Who will be the ultimate champion of the Xross Hard Enduro Rally 2024? Stay tuned!
Photo by Predrag Vuckovic / Extreme Photographer