Hell’s Gate 2014 will mark the 11th edition of the iconic race. Nestled in the foot of the Tuscany mountains, the Il Ciocco resort has been the scene for some incredible battles over the last decade. Here’s a look at all of the heroes who’ve taken on hell and won…
2004
All smiles before the start of the race David Knight is unaware of what awaits. But he revels in the conditions – hell is no match for a Manxman – and becomes the first ever winner of the race. Hell’s Gate is born!
1. David Knight (GB)
2. Bartosz Oblucky (PL)
3. Mario Rinaldi (I)
2005
Knowing what to expect on his return to Il Ciocco, Knight decimates the field of riders to record his second win at the venue. With an all-British podium, it marks the beginning of British rule in Italy. And with Juan Knight in third another little piece of history is made with two brothers on the podium!
1. David Knight (GB)
2. Wayne Braybrook (GB)
3. Juan Knight (GB)
4. Anders Eriksson (S)
5. Beconi Andrea (I)
2006
In another British lockout of the podium, David Knight takes his third consecutive victory at Il Ciocco. Despite this being the last time Knight races Hell’s Gate, he’s still tied on the all-time win list with Graham Jarvis.
1. David Knight (GB)
2. Wayne Braybrook (GB)
3. Paul Edmondson (GB)
4. Gregory Eyries (F)
5. Graham Jarvis (GB)
6. Casteau David (F)
2007
After three years in his shadow, Wayne Braybrook capitalises on Knight’s absence to secure a worthy win. He beats Paul ‘Fast Eddy’ Edmondson to etch his name on the winner’s trophy.
1. Wayne Braybrook (GB)
2. Paul Edmondson (GB)
3. Simone Albergoni (I)
4. Botturi Alexander (I)
5. Gregory Eyries (F)
6. Andreas Lettenbichler (D)
7. Piero Sembenini (I)
2008
Four year’s of British domination ends, when Taddy Blazusiak breaks British rule in Italy. Jarvis finishes second while Paul Bolton claims his first and only Hell’s Gate podium to date. With eight official finishers this is the highest number of riders to ever complete the race.
1. Tadeusz Blazusiak (PL)
2. Graham Jarvis (GB)
3. Paul Bolton (UK)
4. Tom Sagar (GB)
5. Simone Albergoni (I)
6. Piero Sembenini (I)
7. Cyril Despres (F)
8. Mario Rinaldi (I)
2009
Making it two on the bounce, Blazusiak conquers Hell’s Peak to win. Alex Botturi becomes the best ever Italian finisher in second overall.
1. Tadeusz Blazusiak (PL)
2. Botturi Alexander (I)
3. Dougie Lampkin (GB)
4. Graham Jarvis (GB)
5. Tom Sagar (GB)
6. Andreas Lettenbichler (D)
7. Piero Sembenini (I)
2010
Icy conditions ensure Hell’s Gate 2010 would be the toughest in the history of the event. Two-time winner Taddy Blazusiak drops out early on and leaves it to Dougie Lampkin and Graham Jarvis to fight it out. In one of the closest finishes ever, Lampkin passes Jarvis at the foot of Hell’s Peak to win and then almost literally passes out. Note – only two finishers.
1. Dougie Lampkin (GB)
2. Graham Jarvis (GB)
2011
For the second year in a row, Hell’s Gate lives up to its hellish reputation with only two finishers. Bagging redemption – and his first win – Jarvis gets the better of Dougie Lampkin following his agonising defeat the previous year.
1. Graham Jarvis (GB)
2. Dougie Lampkin (GB)
2012
With Hell’s Gate finally figured out, Jarvis destroys the opposition to take his second consecutive victory. Jonny Walker finishes as runner-up to Jarvis in his debut ride while Xavi Galindo becomes the first Spaniard to climb onto the podium.
1. Graham Jarvis (GB)
2. Jonny Walker (GB)
3. Arbones Xavi Galindo (SP)
4. Cody Webb (USA)
2013
Heavy snow almost threatens the cancellation of the 10th anniversary of the event. Despite a foot of snow covering the Il Ciocco resort the show carries on. Jonny Walker wins the morning race, but for the third year in a row Graham Jarvis wins the war. Cody Webb becomes the first US rider to podium at Hell’s Gate.
1. Graham Jarvis (GB)
2. Jonny Walker (GB)
3. Cody Webb (USA)
4. Alfredo Gomez Cantero (SP)
5. Ben Hemingway (GB)
