Among the 103 starters Italian Botturi, a rider that has performed well at Hell’s Gate on several occasions, and Spaniard Galindo, who was making his debut appearance at the race, were both hopeful of good results. Disappointingly for Botturi a heavy fall during the opening lap of the morning qualifying enduro resulted in the end of his event having injured his shoulder and neck. Enjoying better fortunes Galindo placed a creditable sixth just two-and-a-half minutes behind winner Taddy Blazusiak.

Joining Galindo as one of the 30 qualifying riders permitted to compete in the main event was Husaberg mounted Erich Brandauer. But with the morning race having taken its toll on the former trials rider, as it did with many riders, he was soon forced to call it a day and retired. Husaberg’s hopes of a podium result being delivered by Xavi Galindo were also soon over as the Spaniard crashed heavily soon after the start. Still far from race fit having broken his thumb at the third round of the Indoor Enduro World Cup, Xavi crashed while negotiating a difficult, rocky, downhill riverbed. Lucky to escape serious injury Xavi sustained cuts to his face and was forced to retire from the event.