Testing the Giants:
Erzbergrodeo and the Unusual Suspects
The tranquil town of Eisenerz buzzes with anticipation as the annual Red Bull Erzbergrodeo approaches, transforming into a spectacle of grit and mettle. In this four-day event, the world’s finest hard enduro riders face off, yet the spotlight shines on Xavier de Soultrait, Antoine Meo, and Pol Tarres. Their unconventional steeds – the KTM 890 Adventure R, the Ducati DesertX, and the Yamaha Ténéré 700 – promise a thrilling twist to the race.
Xavier de Soultrait, known for his Dakar rally exploits, presents an audacious entry with the KTM 890 Adventure R. Bred for expansive deserts, this beast now tackles the merciless mountainous terrains of Erzbergrodeo. Its powerful parallel-twin engine and advanced electronics blend power and versatility, proving that it’s more than a desert sprinter.
Antoine Meo, a five-time Enduro World Champion, introduces the Ducati DesertX to the challenging world of hard enduro. Inspired by iconic Paris-Dakar rally bikes, this robust machine boasts a twin-cylinder 937 cc engine, making it an intriguing player in this grueling event.
The Erzbergrodeo’s course, a daunting 40km terrain inside an iron-ore quarry, pushes both the riders and their machines to their limits. Steep ascents, treacherous descents, and exhausting boulder fields characterize the race, and the sight of de Soultrait, Meo, and Tarres dominating these conditions on their beasts is captivating.
From the start, the peculiarities of their bikes play out in a fascinating spectacle. De Soultrait’s KTM 890 demonstrates its power on steep climbs, while Meo’s DesertX, armed with his extensive enduro experience, endures the grueling terrain. The agility of Tarres’ lighter Ténéré 700, meanwhile, proves advantageous on the challenging course.
The torrential rain adds a layer of complexity to the race, turning the challenging course into a slippery nightmare. Yet, these conditions serve to highlight the unique strengths of the riders’ choices. The stability of the KTM 890 and Ducati DesertX shines in the wet, while the Ténéré 700’s nimbleness allows for quick course adjustments.
The trio’s attempt at ‘Lazy Noon’, the Erzbergrodeo’s final ascent, captures the essence of this punishing race. Here, the culmination of skill, machine prowess, and sheer determination offers unforgettable moments that underline the race’s spirit.
Despite their non-traditional choices, Xavier de Soultrait, Antoine Meo, and Pol Tarres imbue the 2023 Red Bull Erzbergrodeo with a unique flair. The audacious endeavors of these riders echo a resounding message: in the world of hard enduro, skill and resilience often outshine convention.
The trio’s daring attempt to conquer the Iron Giant didn’t go unnoticed. During the prologue, a race up the Iron Mountain preceding the main event, they leveraged their unique skills and bike capabilities, leaving a significant impression. De Soultrait, aboard his KTM 890 Adventure R, blazed through the prologue, finishing in a remarkable 44th place. Antoine Meo and his Ducati DesertX, though new to this territory, secured a solid 90th position. But it was Pol Tarres and his Yamaha Ténéré 700 that truly surprised everyone, securing a spot in the top 50.
These performances not only underline the riders’ exceptional adaptability but also bring a fresh perspective to the hard enduro scene. The raw power of de Soultrait’s KTM 890 Adventure R, the enduring robustness of Meo’s Ducati DesertX, and the agile versatility of Tarres’ Yamaha Ténéré 700 all come into play, showcasing the varying strengths of each bike.
Yet, it’s not solely about the bikes; the riders’ determination adds a layer of intensity to the event. Braving harsh weather, a relentless course, and a massive iron deposit that disrupts navigation and broadcast equipment, these riders push their limits, ensuring the 2023 Red Bull Erzbergrodeo becomes a race to remember.
Pol Tarres Erzbergrodeo Complete Run POV
From navigating technical sections, making perilous descents from Ludwig’s Land, to tackling the final obstacle – a brutal 630m ascent – these riders meet every challenge head-on, resonating the roar of their defiance across the terrain.
Despite the grueling nature of the Erzbergrodeo, it showcases the best of hard enduro racing. The performances of Xavier de Soultrait, Antoine Meo, and Pol Tarres affirm that innovation and audacity can refresh the sport, adding an exciting dimension to the race.
These riders didn’t just participate in the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo; they challenged norms, redefined courage, and marked a new chapter in hard enduro racing. Their awe-inspiring performance and the impressive adaptability of their machines carve a lasting impression on the annals of the Erzbergrodeo, inspiring future riders to think beyond convention and embrace the unpredictable.
The spirit of hard enduro racing reverberates through the Iron Giant, echoing in the roar of the engines, the cheers of the crowd, and the undying resolve of those who dare to challenge the odds. And as the dust settles on the 2023 Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, it’s clear that when it comes to hard enduro racing, innovation and audacity go hand in hand with speed and skill.
Photos: Harley-Davidson Media – Words: Tomás Ferrero
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