The Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, known as the world’s toughest single-day race, returned with its unparalleled mix of endurance, excitement, and raw challenge. From May 30th to June 2nd, the Iron Giant in Eisenerz, Austria, hosted riders around the globe, ready to tackle the infamous course and its grueling obstacles. This year’s event continued to uphold its reputation, drawing in a diverse mix of factory riders, amateurs, and hobbyists, all united by their passion for extreme enduro racing.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Styrian mountains, the Erzbergrodeo transforms the serene landscape into a battleground of sheer will and determination. Participants face a myriad of challenges, from the high-speed ascents of the Iron Road Prologue to the unforgiving terrains of the main event. With 1,500 competitors aiming for 500 spots in the main race, the event demands exceptional skill, mental toughness, and physical endurance. This year’s edition did not disappoint, offering spectators and participants a thrilling display of tenacity and prowess.

Riders and Races

Participants come from all walks of life, united by their passion for enduro racing. The Erzbergrodeo sees a unique blend of factory riders, amateurs, and hobbyists, all sharing one goal: to conquer the Iron Giant. The journey begins with the BLAKLADER IRON ROAD PROLOGUE, a high-speed dash up a gnarly gravel road that sets the tone for the days ahead. With only 500 spots in the main race, this stage demands speed and precision as competitors strive to secure their place in the event.

The real test, however, comes with the RED BULL ERZBERGRODEO main event. Riders will need every ounce of their stamina, courage, and riding prowess to navigate the 23 checkpoints scattered across the brutal terrain. The Erzbergrodeo is a relentless battle against the elements and the mountain itself. This year, only 8 out of the 500 qualifiers reached the finish line, underscoring the event’s reputation for toughness.

Event Highlights and Challenges

This year’s Erzbergrodeo offered four days of adrenaline and exertion. The action started with the MITAS Rocket Ride, a hill climb in which riders battled for the fastest times in a knockout format. Friday, we saw the Iron Road Prologue, a competition in which more than 1200 riders attempted to qualify for the main event. The prologue’s ultra-fast climb, with more than 1968 feet (600 meters) of elevation gain over 8.4 miles (13.5 km), is a sight to behold.

Antoine Meo dominated in the twin-cylinder class riding the Ducati DesertX. His impressive performance in the Iron Road Prologue gave him a significant advantage over his rivals. Despite tricky conditions on the second day, his lead only increased, showcasing the DesertX’s capabilities. Meo also participated in the MITAS Rocket Ride, achieving a surprising fourth place in the Superfinal.

Main Event Drama

The main event of the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo 2024 was as dramatic as ever. Manuel Lettenbichler (DE, KTM) clinched his third consecutive victory, completing the course in 2:47:23. His performance was spectacular as he overtook numerous riders after a suboptimal start. Trystan Hart (CAN, KTM) finished second despite a fall early in the race, demonstrating remarkable resilience and skill. Mario Roman (ESP, Sherco) rounded out the podium, fending off a late challenge from the legendary Graham Jarvis (UK, Husqvarna).

The racecourse itself, a 21.7 miles (35-kilometer) labyrinth of brutal terrain, pushed riders to their limits. This year’s adjustments to the course, including moving the infamous “Carl’s Dinner” section to the first half, added to the challenge. Only eight riders completed the course within the four-hour limit, emphasizing the race’s difficulty.

The eight heroes who completed the grueling course were:

Manuel Lettenbichler (DE, KTM) – 2:47:23
Trystan Hart (CAN, KTM) – 3:07:40
Mario Roman (ESP, Sherco) – 3:21:47
Graham Jarvis (UK, Husqvarna) – 3:23:39
Wade Young (RSA, GASGAS) – 3:39:48
Jonny Walker (UK, Beta) – 3:40:28
Mitch Brightmore (UK, Husqvarna) – 3:48:32
Matthew Green (RSA, KTM) – 3:56:31

Beyond the main race, the Erzbergrodeo featured various thrilling side events. The RAID OVER ERZBERG parade celebrated the local community’s support, with over 3,000 motorcycles winding through Eisenerz. The ONE-ON-ONE RIDER PRESENTATION allowed fans to meet the top riders, while the RED BULL ERZBERGRODEO ENDUROCROSS provided intense action and served as a qualifier for a coveted front-row starting position in the main race.

Twin-cylinder Highlights:
Meo and Tarres

Special attention was given to the twin-cylinder category in the Blakläder Iron Road Prologue, which featured 21 starters from 8 nations this year. Antoine Meo on the Ducati DesertX and Pol Tarres on the Yamaha Tenere showcased outstanding performances. Meo’s dominance in the Iron Road Prologue and his competitive edge in the Rocket Ride highlighted his versatility and skill. Meo secured his second consecutive overall win on the Ducati DesertX, clocking an impressive time of 11:24.

Pol Tarres, riding his TRECE Racing Yamaha Tenere 700, followed in third place with a time of 12:07. His adaptability was further demonstrated by securing an impressive 66th place overall on a YZ250, competing in both categories.

Other notable performances included:

Chris Gundermann (GER), an amateur sensation, took 2nd place with his Husqvarna Norden 901, finishing with a time of 11:43.
Johnny Aubert (FRA), a 2-time Enduro World Champion, piloted the KTM 890 AMT prototype to 7th place overall, with a time of 12:43.
Simon Marcic (SLO), a Rally Dakar contender, placed 8th overall on a Ducati DesertX, recording a time of 13:36.
Jiri Heinik (CZ), a 69-year-old offroad veteran, finished in 12th place on his heavily modified KTM 890 SX-F, with a time of 15:42.
Giuseppe Leppi (ITA), a 55-year-old rider, brought a BMW HP2 Enduro to 17th place, finishing with a time of 20:07.

The most common motorcycle in the Twin Cylinder Class remains the Aprilia RXV model, known for handling like a motocross bike with the punch of a tractor. The selective Blakläder Iron Road Prologue gravel racetrack, spanning a total length of 9.3 miles (15 kilometers), featured some wide-open full-throttle sections that tested the limits of all competitors.

Speed Challenge and Rocket Ride Results

The AKRAPOVIC Speed Challenge saw incredible performances, with Chris Gundermann (GER, Husqvarna 901 Norden) clocking the fastest time at 83.57 mph (134.49 km/h). Notably, Patrick Neisser (AUT, Ducati DesertX) and Antoine Meo (FRA, Ducati DesertX) also showcased impressive speeds, ranking second and third respectively.

In the MITAS Rocket Ride Superfinale, the results were:

Ossi Reisinger (AUT)
Dominik Olszowy (POL)
Artsiom Kuntsevich (BLR)
Armin Ohrlinger (AUT)
Carson Brown (USA)
Paul-Erik Huster (GER)

The Red Bull Erzbergrodeo 2024 once again proved why it is considered the pinnacle of Extreme Enduro racing. With its combination of fierce competition, spectacular settings, and a sense of community, the event continues to captivate riders and fans worldwide. As we reflect on this year’s dramatic race, we eagerly await what the next edition will bring. Until then, the tales of triumph and endurance from Erzberg will continue to inspire and challenge the enduro racing community.