2024-07-29 07:57:21
Krispler was pleased with his performance in the world’s toughest endurance race. KTM rider Lettenbichler returned to impress with a dominant victory.
Last week, the world’s toughest endurance race, Red Bull Racing Romania, took place. Salzburg rider Michael Walkner achieved two fourth-place finishes and two fifth-place finishes over the four days of cross-country racing, culminating in an excellent fifth-place finish in the gold class of this demanding event.
In fact, the event is considered the toughest enduro rally in the world, a fact that was already evident on the first off-road day. Of the 48 competitors in the gold category, only 8 reached the finish line. It started to rain towards the end of the first day of racing, making the already extremely difficult course almost impassable. “Despite this, after more than seven hours of driving, I reached the finish line in fourth place,” said GasGas pilot Walkner.
Red Bull Romanians are very demanding
The distance of 180 kilometers and the severe thunderstorm in the middle of the race also made the second day a big challenge. Additionally, during this marathon stage, riders must repair their motorcycles independently without the help of service personnel and prepare them for the next day off-road.
On day three we returned to Sibiu via a long connecting stage and very selective climbs and descents. “The short recovery times between each day are very demanding on me physically and mentally,” Walkner said.
Walkner maintains fifth place
Experience showed little change in the rankings on the fourth and final day, with Michael Walkner finishing fifth in the Red Bull Racing Romania Gold Class with a total driving time of 24 hours and 48 minutes.
Lettenbichler celebrates comeback win
After taking the lead on the first cross-country day, KTM rider Manuel Lettenbichler maintained a huge lead throughout the remainder of the race, taking victory in a total time of just over 33 minutes. The victory marked the German’s third victory of the 2024 Hard Enduro season after missing round three due to injury. Teodor Kabakchiev (BGR) and Mario Roman (ESP) took the podium. “That was great! I was tired and I had been struggling the past three days, but the last 20 kilometers before the finish I felt much better because I knew I was close. You always find that last bit of energy from others throughout the week Both performed very well, but I am very happy with my performance and my fifth win in a row, even though it was really difficult but it feels good to be on the podium again after the injury,” explained Lettenbichler.
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