Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler has triumphed at the 2024 Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, conquering the formidable Iron Giant for the third consecutive year. Teammate Trystan Hart of FMF KTM Factory Racing secured a career-best runner-up finish, marking a KTM 1-2 at the second round of the 2024 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship (HEWC) in Austria.
The 28th edition of the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, a highlight on the HEWC calendar, did not disappoint. The prologue determined the starting order for Sunday’s main event—a grueling 35-kilometer race featuring legendary sections such as Carl’s Dinner, Machine, and Dynamite. This year’s race threw several curveballs at competitors, including new sections and significant changes to checkpoint orders, with riders not allowed to walk the track beforehand.
Qualification and Start:
Over two days, 1300 riders competed in the qualification process. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia topped the prologue, while Lettenbichler and Hart secured strong starting positions, qualifying fifth and ninth respectively. The 500 fastest riders lined up for Sunday’s main race, with both Lettenbichler and Hart on the front row.
Lettenbichler’s Dominance:
Lettenbichler started strong, quickly moving to the front and leading with tactical precision. He built an impressive 20-minute lead, navigating the toughest sections with strategic line choices. He finished with over an hour to spare, extending his win streak to 10 in the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship and marking his third consecutive Erzbergrodeo victory.
Hart’s Strong Finish:
Despite a minor crash at the start, Hart showcased his skill by moving up to second place by checkpoint nine. His solid performance secured a KTM 1-2 finish.
Championship Standings:
Lettenbichler’s victory extends his lead in the HEWC standings to 13 points. The 2024 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship continues with round three in Serbia for the Xross Hard Enduro Rally from June 19-22.
Manuel Lettenbichler: “That was such a crazy race and I’m so stoked to have been able to ride those incredibly gnarly sections. It’s amazing to have got my tenth win in a row and my third Erzberg win in a row. It feels amazing, it was definitely my day today and I’m super happy with this result. I’m honestly surprised at how confident I felt in the new sections, even when they were quite slippery and tough, but I just tried to use my head and choose the best lines to keep my speed up. Of course, I’m super excited for the rest of the season and I want to continue my winning streak.”
