Germany’s Manuel Lettenbichler has won round three of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo. In what was a near-perfect ride, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing claimed a hard-fought victory to finish in front of Sherco Factory Racing’s Mario Roman in second. FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Trystan Hart became the first Canadian to podium at Austria’s Iron Giant with third.

Out of action since 2019, the legendary Red Bull Erzbergrodeo roared back into life for round three of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship. And it didn’t disappoint! In what proved an epic 26th edition at the Iron Giant, it was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler who led home the field of 500 starters. A debut win for the German, it also marked the first father and son duo to win the race, with Manuel Lettenbichler matching his father Andreas’ victory from 2015.

Manuel Lettenbichler: “Ahh, I’m definitely exhausted. I had to push so hard, but I’m completely over the moon. Winning this race has always been on the bucket list. I got close a couple of times, but now it’s done, its ticked! The whole race was so stressful, especially with Mario so close during the second half of it too. As first rider in Motorex Highway there was no line and I had to move trees. I just had to keep pushing. I’m so stoked though. I always said I wanted another trophy into the Lettenbichler house and now I’ve finally made it happen!”

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Mario Roman: “It was super hard. We had walked a lot of sections, but there were a lot of surprises to contend with. It was probably the hardest edition I’ve ever done. Mani and myself were close all the way and at Dynamite it was down to nearly 20 metres, but I couldn’t close the gap. He rode a great race. I lost my grandfather on Monday too, so I want to dedicate this result to him.”

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Trystan Hart: “On the section before Carl’s Dinner I made a huge mistake and dropped to about eighth. I thought my chances were done. When I got to Carl’s Dinner I knew I had to make a run for it there if I wanted a good result. But that took a lot out of me and I was exhausted coming out of it. I wasn’t crazy tired, but I was cramping so bad in my legs. Getting on the podium is a huge result for me. I really wanted to put Canada on the map for Hard Enduro, so hopefully this does it!”

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LINK: Red Bull ErzbergRodeo

photos (c) Red Bull Content Pool