The 2012 edition of Hell’s Gate returns the world’s most fearless Enduro riders back to Italy for a taste of the underworld…
Those riders brave enough to take their place at the start-line and stare into the abyss will be hoping reach Hell’s peak rather fall into its bottomless pit. Here are the course's lucky – and not-so-lucky – numbers…
0...
If there’s one good thing you can say about hell it's that at least you’re unlikely to catch a cold down there. But with Europe experiencing a big winter freeze, the Hell’s Gate course in Il Ciocco, Tuscany has been throttled by icy weather, making things more treacherous and nightmarish than ever. As Enduro superstar Taddy Blazusiak says, “There could be a pool of water on one lap that is a patch of ice on the next lap.”
"it will come as a relief to these Hell's Gate riders that they only have to endure this netherworld for five laps"
5...
The Italian poet Dante Alighieri gave an entertaining account of the nine circles of hell in his epic poem The Divine Comedy. But while Dante exited the inferno with Satan trapped in ice for all eternity it will come as a relief to these Hell's Gate riders that they only have to endure this netherworld for five laps. However these circuits come after a gruelling five-hour qualifying session that will leave all riders praying for salvation.
3.5...
Hell’s Gate 2012 takes place outside the medieval Tuscan town of Braga. Competitors would be well-advised to take a pilgrimage to Braga’s cathedral to pay their respects to its 3.5m-high statue of St Christopher. A quick word with the patron saint of travellers might just be enough to tip the balance in their favour.
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The ninth edition of Hell's Gate is primed for another hero to emerge. Legends such as Taddy Blazusiak, David Knight, Dougie Lampkin and Graham Jarvis have all won out in the past. Which brave soul will join them in emerging from purgatory?
© Edmunds J/KTM Images \ Taddy Blazusiak taking on Hell in 2009
27/01/91...
Could the next man to get his name on the trophy be Englishman Jonny Walker? The fresh-faced Enduro rider was born on January 27, 1991, and his second-place finish at the recent Indoor Enduro World Championships suggests that 2012 could be his breakthrough year. This journey through Hell’s Gate will test whether this young gun has the spirit to succeed.
4,500...
As well as bragging rights the winner of this year’s Hell’s Gate will also receive a very special prize. What better way to celebrate vanquishing the Hades of Enduro than by sailing away on a private yacht for the weekend – just part of a prize worth €4,500.
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