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The scenic Italian mountings, -3.5 degrees and 7am sets the scene for the most physically challenging enduro, Hells Gate. Based at the four star hotel Il Ciocco, the mountain in the garden became a 10 hour playing ground. The event took the format of a five hour enduro in the morning as a qualifying race then the main race in the afternoon as a four hour hare and hounds extreme style, in order for riders to finish Hells Gate they must be within 30 minutes of the leader or you are pulled out of the event at check points.

 

2008 was Toms first time at Hells Gate and he fought hard for 4th position, 2009 Tom was aiming for a podium position. Tom was third rider off the start behind KTM’s Taddy Blazusiak and Sherco’ s Graham Jarvis. After the first test Tom was lying 4th, test 2 Tom set a quick test time which set him in strong position of 2nd, test 3 Tom stalled the bike which dropped him down to 4th overall equal with Jarvis, as Jarvis had set the first fastest time Tom finished in 5th.

 

15.30pm saw the start of the main event, the journey to Hells Peak, starting 5th on the Supermoto starting grid gave Tom a strong position for a podium finish. Taddy gained the holeshot, and held a strong lead by the end of the first lap. Lap two didn't bring much luck for Tom as a crash down a difficult stream bed brought the Husaberg 450 landing on top of him. Tom started lap three on a mission for the podium, but time was slipping away and Taddy was pushing hard. Tom fought hard clawing his way back up the positions to see fifth position just ahead of him, Tom managed to pass BMW’s Andres Lettenbecer on a steep climb at the beginning of the fourth lap. Tom managed to pass the last check point with ten minutes to spare. The final challenge was coming near Hells Peak, the sides were lined with keen spectators ready to pull up the final 7 riders. Tom finally finished 5th overall just behind Jarvis who reached the top of Hells Peak just as Tom started his ascent.

“It was a seriously hard event, much harder than last year. The bike performed brilliantly, and I feel comfortable riding it. I was disappointed with the start I had, i really feel I could have made the podium this year, but I guess I need to return next year for podium position, hopefully my legs will have grown a little by then. I would like to thank all for sponsors for their continued support” - Tom Sagar.