Graham Jarvis celebrates victory in the Roof of Africa for Husqvarna.

Graham Jarvis has delivered Husqvarna victory on debut during the Roof of Africa Hard Enduro in Lesotho over the weekend.

Jarvis, fresh from winning the Wildwood Rock in Australia, mastered tricky conditions in the prestegious event to reclaim the title he last won in 2011.

The event kicked off as usual with the Round the Houses and time trial on Thursday and was followed by two testing days in the mountains, the traditionally challenging terrain of this Hard Enduro classic made even more difficult by the cold and wet conditions.

Friday proved a tough one with KTM’s Chris Birch finishing on top but he, Jarvis, Blake Gudzeit and Altus De Wet all incurred a three-minute penalty overnight for missing one of the check points.

It was also a bad day for KTM rider Wade Young, who in 2012 became the youngest winner of this event. He had technical difficulties and had to pull out of Day Two.

Birch and Jarvis went into the final day with a significant lead but the weather was, torrential drought breaking rain made it so hard going that race officials eliminated the first major pass of the day.

Birch and Jarvis arrived at the second pass, Mokopu Pass, together but by the summit Birch had slipped 25 minutes behind Jarvis. By the time they had reached the final ascent Jarvis had extended his lead by 50 minutes as he continued to master the slippery slopes.

New Zealand rider Birch went on to finish fourth on the final day, securing second overall. South African KTM rider Scott Bouverie completed the podium in third overall.

Roof of Africa Hard Enduro
Overall results:
1. Graham Jarvis
2. Chris Birch
3. Scott Bouverie
4. Blake Gutzeit

5. Ben Hemingway
6. Kenny Gilbert
7. Altus De Wet
8. James Hodson
9. Dan Hemingway
10. Bronson Louw