Offroad Day 2 was an eventful one for round four of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship at Red Bull Romaniacs with Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) winning to take over the race lead. Graham Jarvis’ (Husqvarna) hopes of a seventh race win ended when he failed to finish due to a knee injury.
Letty trying to dry his gear, with a few others…
The world’s toughest hard enduro rallye marched on for Offroad Day 2, putting its competitors through the rigours once again. Punishing uphills and hot weather were all capped off in true rallye style with riders now facing a night in a tent, with no outside assistance or support allowed.
Tent city tonight
Race leader at the close of Offroad Day 1, Graham Jarvis led the Gold class riders away before dawn at 06:45. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider was followed by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler. Immediately hot on Graham’s heels, Mani quickly ate into the Brit’s lead, catching him just after the first major climb of the day.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler
In a game of cat and mouse, neither could shake off the other, and so rode together for most of the day. However, the event turned on its head for Graham as he exited the final service point. A high-speed ditch crossing saw him twist his knee, and with the pain too much, he was forced to call it a day, allowing Manuel to ride clear for the win.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler
That victory proved decisive, with the German jumping out to a 23-minute-plus race lead over Sherco Factory Racing’s Wade Young. While Young takes second in the overall standings, it was his teammate Mario Roman who ended Offroad Day 2 in second. A consistent and solid ride from the Spaniard paid off, as he moves into third in the overall standings.
Mario Roman finished the day second
Finding his Red Bull Romaniacs rhythm, Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) also had a memorable day. Taking the ‘less is more’ approach, the Abestone Hard Enduro winner limited his mistakes compared to the previous days, riding his way up to third. He now moves up to fourth in overall classification with two days to go.
Sherco Factory Racing’s Wade Young is second in the standings
Dropping back to fifth, Vision Track Beta’s Jonny Walker had a mixed day combining some top-three checkpoint times with mistakes. Sitting fifth overall, he lies just 54 seconds behind Bolt.
Vision Track Beta’s Jonny Walker
One of the performances of the day came from Canada’s Trystan Hart (KTM). The rookie is rapidly finding his feet in the steep trails of the Carpathian Mountains, ending his day sixth, to hold seventh overall in classification.
Canada’s Trystan Hart (KTM)
With an overnight bivouac awaiting riders at the end of Offroad Day 2, competitors won’t see their assistance teams until the service point, midway during Offroad Day 3.
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM)
“It’s been a hard day. I caught up to Graham just after the first uphill and we rode for most of the day together. It was awesome riding with him, so it sucks to see him go out today. I feel like I played safe and got the win. Now it’s time to check over the bike, make sure everything is all ok and then put up the tent for the night!”
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna)
“Today was pretty good, not perfect, but a lot better than previously. I just wanted to reduce the crashes and errors I had been making and I think it paid off. Just rolling it back a touch and keeping momentum got me third. I feel like I’m going in right direction now and will try to keep that way for the rest of the week.”
Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS)
“My riding, speed and navigation this week has been good, but I’m a little frustrated with the little mistakes I’ve been making. They’re nothing major, but are adding up, so I need to try and reduce those for the second half of the week.
2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Red Bull Romaniacs: Off Road Day One Gold Class
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 5:05:42
Mario Roman (Sherco) 5:18:41
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 5:19:53
Wade Young (Sherco) 5:24:21
Jonny Walker (Beta) 5:28:39
Trystan Hart (KTM) 5:37:02
Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS) 5:37:33
Cody Webb (Sherco) 5:54:24
Michael Walkner (GASGAS) 5:59:05
Teodor Kabakchiev (Husqvarna) 6:10:09
2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Red Bull Romaniacs: Standings
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 10:38:47
Wade Young (Sherco) 11:02:20
Mario Roman (Sherco) 11:05:11
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 11:13:50
Jonny Walker (Beta) 11:14:44
Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS) 11:30:01
Trystan Hart (KTM) 11:34:11
Michael Walkner (GASGAS) 11:53:51
Teodor Kabakchiev (Husqvarna) 11:56:48
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna) 12:21:58
*Results are provisional and subject to change following GPS inspection
Following hot on the heels of the hugely successful Abestone Hard Enduro, the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship continues at pace less than one week from today, when the infamous Red Bull Romaniacs welcomes competitors for the 18th edition of the world’s number one Hard Enduro Rallye.
Red Bull Romaniacs is a bucket-list race for every aspiring Hard Enduro rider, professional or amateur. World-renowned, it’s only natural then to see that competitors from many different nations have once again signed up to compete. In total, approximately 50 nations will be strongly represented with people travelling from as far as Canada, Peru and Australia and we’ll see a whopping 47 Gold class riders take to the start line.
Red Bull Romaniacs never fails to deliver surprises. No two editions are ever the same. In the past we’ve seen the race have overnight stays away from host city Sibiu, but for 2021 organisers are taking things one step further. A marathon stage – two days combined – will be highlighted with a night in the mountains and under the stars. With no outside assistance allowed, riders have got to work on their own bikes and sleep in a tent. Don’t forget your toothbrush guys n’ girls!
A Hard Enduro Rallye like Red Bull Romaniacs always attracts a little bit of crazy and for 2021 Pol Tarres is bringing the goods! Normally found competing in Gold class, he’s stepped back to Bronze this year, but for good reason. Armed with a 200kg Yamaha Tenere 700, he’s attempting to become the first rider to finish in this category on a two-cylinder adventure motorcycle. We wish him luck!
To finish a race like Red Bull Romaniacs is one heck of an accomplishment – winning the event etches your name into Hard Enduro folklore. Legend Graham Jarvis sits at the top table when it comes to the Red Bull Romaniacs Hall of Fame with six wins and is more than capable of making it seven.
Can Jarvis do it again?
Of those also entered for 2021, Manuel Lettenbichler has won the previous two editions, Wade Young was victorious in 2018, while Jonny Walker holds two wins from 2015 and 2014. Will the 18th edition deliver a new winner?
Ten years after his father Andreas took victory at Romaniacs, Manuel Lettenbichler won the 2019 edition of the famous event
Red Bull Romaniacs is famed for its punishing climbs in the mountains and 2021 will be no exception. The organisers are pushing the elevation with a whopping 35,000+ metres of altitude on the cards across the week of racing.
There’s a well-known saying among competitors at Red Bull Romaniacs – ‘it’s never over until it’s over’. And that’s because Offroad Day 4 is never a walk in the park. Tough as old boots, the Gusterita finishing area is always spectacular. With the finish line in sight, battle-weary riders literally jump through hoops to get there. We’ve seen near-impossible climbs, aquaplaning and mesmerising obstacle courses, and we’re sure to witness it again next week.
Round four of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship takes place at Red Bull Romaniacs in Sibiu, Romania on July 27-31.
Red Bull Romaniacs Schedule
Tuesday July 27: Time trial qualification (TTQ) Wednesday July 28: Offroad day 1 Thursday July 29: Offroad day 2 Friday July 30: Offroad day 3 Saturday July 31: Offroad day 4
FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Standings (After round 3)
1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 20pts 2. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 17pts 3. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) 15pts 4. Jonny Walker (Beta) 13pts 5. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna) 11pts 6. Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS) 10pts 7. Mario Roman (Sherco) 9pts 8. Wade Young (Sherco) 8pts 9. Michael Walkner (GASGAS) 7pts 10. Travis Teasdale (GASGAS) 6pts 11. Sonny Goggia (GASGAS) 5pts 12. Matthew Green (GASGAS) 4pts 13. Teodor Kabachiev (Husqvarna) 3pts 14. Dominik Olszowy (KTM) 2pts 15. Leon Hentschel (GASGAS) 1pts
2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship calendar
Round 1: Extreme XL Lagares – Portugal, May 7/8/9 Round 2: Red Bull Erzbergrodeo – Austria, June 3/4/5/6 Round 3: Abestone Hard Enduro – Italy, July 9/10/11 Round 4: Red Bull Romaniacs – Romania, July 27/28/29/30/31 Round 5: Red Bull TKO – USA, August 13/14/15 Round 6: HERO Challenge – Poland, September 11/12 Round 7: Hixpania Hard Enduro – Spain, October 1/2/3 Round 8: GetzenRodeo – Germany, October 29/30
Following the challenging circumstances that unfortunately plagued the opening round of the 2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship at Extreme XL Lagares and then led to the subsequent cancellation of this year’s Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, the series is ready to bounce back strongly after this unprecedented double-disappointment.
With this chapter now closed, the FIM and WESS GmbH are now looking forward to the re-start of this year’s series, and to having the opportunity to deliver a diverse and exciting mix of events over the remainder of the season.
The next six events will ensure that the inaugural series is remembered for all the right reasons, whilst also being worthy of crowning the first ever FIM Hard Enduro World Champion. Next up, and re-starting the series, is the new Abestone Hard Enduro in Italy, which will welcome competitors to one of the most picturesque parts of the world.
Winfried Kerschhaggl FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Series Manager
“Overcoming challenges is what enduro sport is all about. As much as everyone was looking forward to Extreme XL Lagares, an event that in any normal year would have given us an incredible start to the series, the situation is what it is. Disappointing and frustrating for all those involved, we have to move on and focus on the many positives that lie ahead for the series. Of course, the cancellation of Red Bull Erzbergrodeo is also a huge loss, but this too cannot be changed, and again we must look forward. The FIM Hard Enduro World Championship has six outstanding events remaining, and while we might have to wait a little while before we go racing again, in mixing well-established favourites with exciting new races, the series will unquestionably meet the expectations of the riders, media and Hard Enduro fans. We want to thank the riders for their understanding and are offering all organisers our full support.”
The Italian event will be followed by the established line up of: Red Bull Romaniacs – Romania, Red Bull TKO – USA, Hero Challenge – Poland (successor to Megawatt), Hixpania – Spain and finally GetzenRodeo – Germany.
John Collins FIM Enduro Commission Director
“There was so much excitement and anticipation regarding this brand new FIM World Championship, so it was deeply disappointing due to circumstances beyond control of all involved that the start of the series has not gone to plan and has not allowed championship points to be awarded from the opening event. That said, collectively we are all ready to work hard and to move on and to ensure that the next six events that will now define the first edition of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship will be a great success and will put this series firmly on the map. On behalf of the FIM I would like to thank our promoter and all the key stakeholders, including the riders, manufacturers, teams and sponsors for their kind understanding and continued support.”
2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship calendar
Round 1: Extreme XL Lagares – Portugal, May 7/8/9 No Points Awarded
Round 2: Red Bull Erzbergrodeo – Austria, June 3/4/5/6 Cancelled
Round 3: Abestone Hard Enduro – Italy, July 10/11
Round 4: Red Bull Romaniacs – Romania, July 27/28/29/30/31
Round 5: Red Bull TKO – USA, August 13/14/15
Round 6: HERO Challenge – Poland, September 11/12
Round 7: Hixpania Hard Enduro – Spain, October 1/2/3
Securing the win on the final day of racing in Romania, Manuel Lettenbichler claimed his debut victory in WESS. He was joined on the podium by Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Alfredo Gomez (ESP) and Graham Jarvis (GB).
Manuel Lettenbichler
Holding the provisional lead at the end of the penultimate day, Lettenbichler was determined to claim the top step of the podium on the final day of racing. With a slender one-minute and seven-second lead over Gomez, the German pushed hard from the off and following the early climbs maintained his position at the front.
Red Bull Romaniacs
Gomez appeared to struggle to find his rhythm early on, dropping back behind a charging Jonny Walker (GB). The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider was on top form and provisionally led on corrected time entering the service point.
But with heavy rain greeting riders, the already challenging trails proved slippery and unpredictable. Gomez found his rhythm in the rain and brought the fight back to Lettenbichler. The duo swapped and changed position with each passing section.
Manuel Lettenbichler
Lettenbichler entered the Gusterita finishing arena first and worked hard to complete the remaining climbs as quickly as possible. Anxiously waiting for Gomez to arrive, the KTM rider kept one eye on the clock and one on his rival as the seconds ticked by.
Nathan Watson
The nerves soon turned to joy and with Lettenbichler declared the winner, the celebrations could begin. For Gomez it was a case of close, but not close enough. Despite giving his best effort on arguably the toughest day of this year’s race it was not to be and he had to settle for the runner-up result. Putting hopes of another victory in this year’s championship on hold, Jarvis ended his week on the third step of the podium.
Alfredo Gomez
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER)
“I’m over the moon right now, I really can’t believe it. This race is really something special and to win here feels amazing. The event is so long and so hard and anything can happen, so I’m so pumped to take the win. It’s been an incredible five days and so gnarly, especially with all the rain we’ve had. Some of the uphills that would have been tricky anyway have become near impossible today. It’s 10 years since my dad won Red Bull Romaniacs so it’s great to be able to match his achievement – the Lettenbichlers are definitely going to celebrate tonight!”
Ten years after his father Andreas took victory at Romaniacs, Manuel Lettenbichler won the 2019 edition of the famous event
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP)
“It’s been an amazing race, I’m so happy to get on the podium. The first day didn’t go so well for me but then on the second day I had a better feeling on the bike and was able to take the win. The last two days also went well and it was great to have such a close fight with Mani and Graham. Obviously I’m disappointed not to have taken the win but it still feels great to come second after such a long and demanding race. Thank you to everyone who helped me over the event – my team and all the fans – I’ll come back even stronger next year.”
Alfredo Gomez
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB)
“It was definitely the hardest day today – it was so slippery on the hills after the rain and there was a lot of pushing. I’m happy just to get to the finish today – I was going well up to the service point then I had a crash and lost my GPS. After that I just tried to tag onto the other riders so I knew where to go. I did get lost a couple of times, so I’m really happy to get third. Overall the event has gone well, it’s been one of the closest and I’m happy that I was still in contention right up to the end.”
Graham Jarvis
With the top three proving themselves the main contenders, Blazusiak was a definite improver as the week wore on. Hampered by his technical issue on day one, a strong ride on the final two days brought him back up the leaderboard for fourth. A really strong ride from Walker for third on Off Road Day Four, saw him complete the top five in the final classification.
Taddy Blazusiak
Taddy Blazusiak
“Considering what happened on day one, I’m happy with how things went. On the second day, I knew I had lost a lot of time so just kept to a solid pace to avoid making any mistakes. After that things went well and I was able to push. I was hoping for a podium, but unfortunately, I simply lost too much time early on. Still, to place fourth in what is my first ever finish at Romaniacs is not bad at all. This race is tough and especially like today when it’s raining it really pushes you to the limit. Experience and set up is also really important so I’ll take what I’ve learned and come back stronger next year.”
Taddy Blazusiak
Jonny Walker
“Obviously it’s not been the best Romaniacs for me, it would have been nice to get on top of the podium again, but I have to take some positives from the race. I started off strong but was struggling on a lot of the hills and that was tiring me out too much, especially as my wrist is still a concern. I kept going though and then for the last day we made some big changes to the bike and suspension and it seemed to work really well – I led the final day for a good while. I’m pleased with how things ended up and feel I’ve finally turned things around now for the WESS championship. Really looking forward to my home race at Hawkstone Park now.”
Jonny Walker
Behind the top five, drama struck Sherco Factory Racing’s Mario Roman. Holding fourth overall, the Spaniard had a bad day at the office in seventh. Despite a strong three days previous, he slipped to seventh overall. His loss was Billy Bolt’s gain, with the British rider moving up to sixth overall.
Mario Roman
Signing off on an impressive week, JD Gunnex KTM Racing privateer David Cyprian (CZ) placed ninth in the rain to end round five eighth overall. TTR Officine Rigamonti’s Pol Tarres (ESP) and Josep Garcia (KTM-ESP) completed the top 10 in ninth and tenth respectively.
Josep Garcia
Anthony Solar was the first Australian home in the Gold Class at Red Bull Romaniacs. With a Silver top 10 finish on his first trip in 2017, he returned to the event this year to go for Gold against the best Extreme riders in the World. He completed the event in 23rd outright.
These three Aussies ran the same course as hard enduro legends like Grahama Jarvis (pictured).
Countrymen Chris Perry and Adam Giles also took on the Gold Class challenge and while Perry made it to the last day he had to join Giles in the list of non-finishers. Still, massive respect to these guys for taking on Romaniacs in the premier category. Chris Perry spoke to Wildwood promoter Steven Braszell after the event.
Chris Perry
“Couldn’t make it through the race track today, I was just too worn out and then with all the rain the track was just impossible. I’m totally fucked now but I’m definitely training and coming back next year! Some of these gold sections we done are just so far ridiculous I can’t explain it!”
Silver
In the Silver class a final day win for Britain’s Sam Winterburn couldn’t deny Spain’s Josu Artola the top step of the podium. Opting to play safe and settle for second was enough to see the Spaniard win the Silver category outright. Spain’s Alberto Aramburu placed third overall in Silver.
The final climb at Red Bull Romaniacs
Josu Artola (Husqvarna – ESP) – Silver Class Winner
“I’m so pleased to win the Silver Class. I won the first three days and it would have been great to have posted the fastest time today, but I decided it would be better to take it steady to make sure I got the victory. The hills were so slippery and at Red Bull Romaniacs anything can happen, so I just followed today’s winner to the finish. It feels great to win here at one of the toughest races – I’m so happy.”
Shane Moss was the first Aussie home in the Silver category, finishing 18th while Adam Poole was 24th and Tim Gibson 39th.
Bronze
Romania’s Radu Sardarescu grabbed the final day’s win, but shadowing him home for second saw Poland’s Marcin Welglarz claim the overall Bronze class victory. In the final classification he was joined on the podium by Eric Slominski (USA) and Jean Michel Vigand (FRA).
Poland’s Marcin Welglarz claimed victory in the Bronze category
Brent Brady was the first Australian home in Bronze with a highly creditable sixth place. Countrymen Cameron Brice scored 22nd, Christian Barrett 33rd, Jason Beaton 49th, Raymond Borg 51st, Robert Kingston 73rd and Nicholas Kirk 74th.
Iron
History was made in the Iron class with Anna Schmolzl becoming the first woman to ever win a category in Red Bull Romaniacs. The German was a model of consistency this week never faltering outside the top three, earning her a commanding 20-minute margin of victory over Danny Melvin (USA) and Mexico’s Eduardo Martinez.
Anna Schmolzl became the first woman to ever win a category in Red Bull Romaniacs when she took out the Iron Class
First Aussie home in Iron was Aaron Mcfadzen in 35th. Dominic Dercole was 48th, Brenden Murphy 63rd and Joshua Devine 64th.
Congratulations and respect to all the Australian riders that had a go, finishing or not.
So near but yet so far for some…
The World Enduro Super Series continues with round six at Hawkstone Park Cross-Country, UK on September 21-22.
Manuel Lettenbichler now leads Gomez and Jarvis in WESS Championship points standings
2019 Red Bull Romaniacs Day Four Results
Gold Class
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 5:37:59
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 5:39:16
Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 5:43:27
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 5:46:11
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 5:53:39
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 6:54:00
Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 6:55:41
Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 7:05:03
David Cyprian (KTM – CZ) 7:17:24
Pol Tarres (Husqvarna – ESP) 7:24:43…
Silver Class
Sam Winterburn (GB) 4:57:55
Josu Artola (ESP) 5:02:00
Alberto Aramburu (ESP) 5:06:13
Emanuel Gyenes (ROU) 5:14:09…
Bronze Class
Radu Sardarescu (ROU) 4:33:18
Marcin Welglarz (POL) 4:35:26
Eric Slominski (USA) 4:35:43
Marius Muntean (ROU) 4:37:38
Mark Galbraith (NZL) 4:49:25…
Iron Class
Tom Simpson (GB) 4:11:57
Danny Melvin (USA) 4:17:54
Anna Schmolzl (GER) 4:26:32
Eduardo Martinez (MEX) 4:25:01…
2019 Red Bull Romaniacs Final Overall Classificiation
Gold Class
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 20:39:51
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 20:42:15
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 20:52:12
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 21:25:36
Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 21:30:40
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 23:16:34
Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 23:36:25
David Cyprian (KTM – CZ) 23:48:33
Pol Tarres (Husqvarna – ESP) 24:42:30
Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 25:08:26…
Silver Class
Josu Artola (ESP) 18:57:20
Sam Winterburn (GB) 19:39:55
Alberto Aramburu (ESP) 20:18:14
Emanuel Gyenes (ROU) 20:31:54
Dustin McCarthy (USA) 20:35:35…
Bronze Class
Marcin Weglarz (POL) 17:43:32
Eric Slominski (USA) 17:53:43
Jean Michel Vigand (FRA) 18:03:04
Radu Sardarescu (ROU) 18:17:13
Brent Brady (AUS) 18:45:04…
Iron Class
Anna Schmolzl (GER) 16:09:43
Danny Melvin (USA) 16:31:13
Eduardo Martinez (MEX) 16:35:17
Tom Simpson (GB) 16:48:18
Agostino Crema (ITA) 17:11:07…
WESS Championship Standings (After round 5)
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 3570 pts
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 3460 pts
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 3164
Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 2940 pts
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 2725 pts
Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 2700 pts
Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 2615 pts
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 2590 pts
Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 2091 pts
Pol Tarres (Husqvarna – ESP) 1965 pts…
WORLD ENDURO SUPER SERIES 2019 SCHEDULE
Round 1: Toyota Porto Extreme XL Lagares (Portugal) May 10-12 Round 2: Trèfle Lozérien AMV (France) May 17-19 Round 3: Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble (Austria) May 30-June 2 Round 4: Hixpania Hard Enduro (Spain) June 21-23 Round 5: Red Bull Romaniacs (Romania) July 30-August 3 Round 6: Hawkstone Park Cross Country (United Kingdom) September 21-22 Round 7: BR2 Enduro Solsona (Spain) October 5-6 Round 8: GetzenRodeo (Germany) November 2
The World Enduro Super Series enters the second half of the 2019 season with Britain’s Graham Jarvis leading the title chase on to round five at Red Bull Romaniacs. In the battle to become this year’s Ultimate Enduro Champion the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider tops the standings from Germany’s Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM), with Sherco Factory Racing’s Mario Roman (ESP) close behind in third.
Graham Jarvis – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
One of Enduro’s most-popular events, the 16th edition of Red Bull Romaniacs will see competitors travel to Sibiu from far and wide. The United Kingdom has the largest number of competitors at 79, followed by Germany with 60 and Australia with 31. A truly international event, riders from Hong Kong, American Samoa and Indonesia will also take to the start.
Red Bull Romaniacs 2018
Always a challenge, Red Bull Romaniacs has long been regarded as the world’s toughest Hard Enduro Rallye, and for good reason. Gearing up for its 16th edition, to affectionally be known as ‘Sweet 16’, the vast and expansive wilderness of the Carpathian Mountains are sure to serve up plenty of bite to go with the event’s formidable bark.
Adam Giles – Red Bull Romaniacs 2018
As per tradition, host city Sibiu will kick things off on Tuesday July 30 with the infamous Urban Prologue, before the bumper entry of competitors from over 50 nations embark on four ultra-demanding and testing off-road days in the surrounding mountains.
Graham Jarvis – Red Bull Romaniacs 2018
As the fourth championship leader in as many races, Graham Jarvis will arrive in Romania in peak form and off the back of winning rides at rounds three and four. With a record-breaking six Red Bull Romaniacs wins already to his credit, the Husqvarna rider is determined to top the podium once again and with it increase his lead at the top of the WESS standings.
Graham Jarvis claimed the Hixpania Hard Enduro win in 2019
However, a long list of the world’s best Enduro riders will be focused on denying 44-year-old Jarvis his 2019 WESS hat-trick. Sitting just 120 points behind him in second position is Manuel Lettenbichler. The privateer has been on top form throughout the series, edging ever closer to that breakthrough win. In 2018 he was one of the event’s main contenders and will be expecting to fight for victory once more.
Extreme XL Lagares – Manuel Lettenbichler
Thirty points behind Lettenbichler, Mario Roman in third is another rider delivering the goods in 2019. Already a podium finisher in all Hard Enduro races he has contested, the Sherco rider is eager to add another victory to his WESS tally. A rider who prefers the long days that Red Bull Romaniacs offers, Roman will arrive to Sibiu ready to impress.
Mario Roman claimed the WESS 2019 Round 1 win at the Extreme XL Lagares
As the 2018 winner of Red Bull Romaniacs, Sherco Factory Racing’s Wade Young is a rider who can’t be overlooked. Excited to start the 16th edition of the world’s toughest Hard Enduro Rallye with #1 on his bike, he will be a formidable force in the Carpathian Mountains. The South African is a powerful talent when it comes to mastering the long, energy-sapping off-road days and will be one of the main favourites for glory this time around.
Wade Young makes his way to the finish line and victory at Romaniacs 2018
Delivering some career best performances in 2019, Spain’s Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna) came agonisingly close to winning round four, just losing out on a tie-breaker to teammate Jarvis. A multi-time podium finisher at Red Bull Romaniacs, the Spaniard has what it takes to reach the top.
Alfredo Gomez – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
Regaining confidence with a strong fifth overall at round four, defending WESS champion Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) is beginning to put his pre-season injuries behind him. Hoping to continue that pace in Romania, Bolt will unquestionably be a rider to keep an eye on.
Billy Bolt – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
For Red Bull KTM Factory Racing the focus in Romania will be on returning to the podium having missed out since round two in France where Josep Garcia (ESP) topped Trefle Lozerien AMV. As the team’s only race winner in 2019 Garcia lies sixth overall ahead of teammate Jonny Walker (GB), Taddy Blazusiak (POL) and Nathan Watson (GB). While Classic Enduro specialists Garcia and Watson shouldn’t trouble the top five, both Walker and Blazusiak know they need podium results to return to the title fight.
Red Bull Romaniacs Podium 2018 – Wade Young, Manuel Lettenbichler, Jonny Walker
A two-time winner of Red Bull Romaniacs, and third overall in 2018, Walker will aim to put his experience to good use for the weeklong event. Blazusiak put in a strong showing during the opening days last year only to have his race cut short due to food poisoning. He will hope for better luck this time around.
Taddy Blazusiak – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
Seventh in 2018, Czech rider David Cyprian’s strengths lie in long distance races like Red Bull Romaniacs. A rider who lets his riding do the talking, JD Gunnex KTM mounted Cyprian tends to chip away at the results each day, getting faster as the week goes on. South Africa’s Travis Teasdale is another rider to watch out for on his Eurotek KTM. Lying 10th in the standings, Teasdale will be citing Red Bull Romaniacs as his breakthrough ride of the season. TTR Officine Rigamonti’s Pol Tarres (ESP) impressed with eighth at Hixpania Hard Enduro and targets another top-10 result at round five.
Travis Teasdale – Romaniacs 2018
With up to 34 competitors entered in the Gold class, additional riders to watch out for include USA’s Keith Curtis (KTM), South Africa’s Matthew Green (Husqvarna) and Brett Swanepoel (Husqvarna), Austria’s Michael Walkner (KTM), Australia’s Chris Perry, Italian’s Michele Bosi (Husqvarna) and Sonny Goggia (Husqvarna) plus Israel’s Suff Sella. Placing 34th at round four, Sandra Gomez (Husqvarna) will contest the Gold class for the first time at Red Bull Romaniacs.
Wade Young wins 2018 Red Bull Romaniacs
Regarded as the world’s toughest Hard Enduro Rallye, Red Bull Romaniacs begins on Tuesday July 30 with the city prologue in Sibiu before leading riders out into the wilderness of the surrounding Carpathian Mountains for four days of unforgettable Enduro riding. Filled with 12 artificial Enduro obstacles, Tuesday’s prologue will ensure a spectacular start to the 16th edition of the race as competitors go head-to-head in a series of qualifier races that determine the starting order for the opening day of racing.
David Cyprian – Red Bull Romaniacs 2018
Getting down to the business end of things, the four off-road days are a true test of stamina, skill, endurance and very often, determination. Starting at dawn, each day takes competitors deep into mountainous terrain as they scale isolated mountain peaks and navigate vast expanses of single-track forestry. Managing both machine and body, often riding alone and up to eight hours each day, is key to success in Romania.
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