Cody Webb takes debut Hard Enduro stage win – Day 2

Proving a very fast learner, Cody Webb continued to give the best in the business a run for their money by snatching his first ever stage win in what is also his debut Hard Enduro Rallye.

A rider with world class skills — runner up at ErzbergRodeo in 2016 — the American is adding an exciting twist to the second edition of the Red Bull Minas Riders as he challenges Graham Jarvis for overall honours for the second day in a row.

“It was insane out there, one hell of an experience,” told day two winner Webb. “I’ve rode some hard stuff before but that was on another level. It was relentless for more than five hours of unforgiving terrain.

“We were up in the mountains on crazy goat trails and then deep in the jungle with tight, tight trees to squeeze past. To get a stage win so soon is amazing, I’m chuffed.”

With weather conditions proving once again wet and wild, Webb let his riding do all the talking on day two. Riding wheel-to-wheel with Jarvis for the second half of the day, Webb squeezed past the 2016 Hard Enduro World Series champion on the final climb of the day to take a momentous win.

Moments later Jarvis crossed the finish line to control his position as the overall race leader. But in true sportsmanship was full of praise for the rider who is giving him a serious run for his money.

“I’m having some close racing with Cody,” explained Jarvis. “He’s a cool guy and I’m enjoying battling with him like this. We seem to be pushing the pace up front. For a guy who’s new to GPS navigation he’s proving a fast learner.

“For most of the day we seemed to share the lead. If one of us missed a turn the other would take over. That seems to help keep the pace high and push us further in front of the rest of the field.

“The second half of the day had a lot of loose rocks and then some real tricky rock slab sections. I was leading coming into the final climb but didn’t make it first time. As I came back down Cody had a shot, made it and beat me over the finish line.
Alfredo Gomez performs at Red Bull Minas Riders in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil on May 18, 2017

“But regardless, he had the day won because I had started the morning first and he had already made up those three minutes, so congratulations to him on the win. I’m expecting another good battle from him tomorrow.”

Behind the leading duo it was a lonely day for defending Minas Riders champion Alfredo Gómez. Still nursing the effects of an injured shoulder on day one, Gomez ended his day nine minutes behind Webb and now sits third overall but 27 minutes adrift of Jarvis with two days remaining.

Fourth overall, Philipp Scholz continues to impress. Ending his day about four minutes behind Gómez, the German is ready to capitalise on any mistake by the frontrunners.

“With two off-road days done things are going well,” said Scholz. “I’m sitting fourth overall, about five minutes behind Gomez in third but 10 minutes or more up on Paul Bolton in fifth.

“I had another good ride today and was able to keep pushing hard throughout the day. I spent most of it riding alone. Alfredo was just a little too fast for me to catch but to be fourth overall at the midway point is good. I’m happy with things so far.”

With two days complete, day three marks the second half of what’s already proving to be a tough and unpredictable second edition of the Red Bull Minas Riders in Brazil.