Source: Supplied.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Graham Jarvis claimed a record fifth Hell’s Gate victory in challenging Italian off-road terrain at the 2017 running of the event.

Kicking off his 2017 Hell’s Gate assault with the top qualifying position, Jarvis trailed South Africa’s Wade Young for the opening hours of the event before moving into the lead following a technical issue from Young.

After over three gruelling hours of extreme enduro competition, Jarvis crossed the line to claim victory number five, cementing his place in the record books.

“In the main race I got a good start but dropped behind Wade Young, who was running a really strong pace,” said Jarvis. “He had some kind of a problem then, which allowed me to get ahead.

“I just kept a steady pace going then and things worked out great, there were a lot more man-made sections this year, which isn’t really my thing, but to get a fifth Hell’s Gate win is great.”

Behind Jarvis it was KTM-mounted Travis Teasdale who claimed the runner-up spot four minutes behind the factory Husqvarna contender. Following early race troubles, it was Young who finished out the event in the final podium spot following by Mario Roman and Philipp Bertl.