The 2025 Donner Hard Enduro proved to be one of the most challenging races in recent memory, as riders faced a brutal combination of snow, slippery terrain, and tough competition. The race was presented by Slavens Racing, and featured an impressive battle for the top spot, with Trystan Hart claiming victory at the end of a hard-fought day.
Trystan Hart – P1: A Victory Full of Surprises
Trystan Hart had a strong start, trying to squeeze past Will while heading off the start line. Despite his quick reflexes, Will managed to secure the whole shot, while Trystan settled into second position. The Sherco bike’s speed was an advantage early on, and Trystan was able to stay dry for the first part of the race. But things soon got intense as Trystan had a surprise encounter with Will, who had a mishap and lost his feet. After that, Trystan found himself in a solo race, continuing to build his lead.
However, the pace was far from predictable. Cody Webb, known for his incredible riding skills, caught up to Trystan surprisingly fast. “I was so surprised when he caught me,” said Trystan. “I had to push harder, but Cody pushed even harder in some gnarly lines, and I just stayed with him.”
The intensity continued as the two battled back and forth until they hit the toughest part of the track, the “Outer Limits.” Cody made a mistake there, and Trystan pulled ahead by 30 to 40 seconds, which ultimately made the difference. From then on, Trystan continued to widen the gap, even as Cody tried to catch up. By the time Trystan reached the finish line, he had a comfortable lead and clinched his fifth Hard Enduro title.
Cody Webb – P2: A Close Call
Despite finishing second, Cody Webb was clearly enjoying himself during the race. “Honestly, it was so much fun,” Cody said. He started off cold but quickly warmed up as he found his flow. He felt a lot more comfortable on his bike this time, especially after feeling a bit off during the Silver Kings race.
Cody rode with determination, pushing hard and taking advantage of his bike’s capabilities. He felt his lines were faster in some sections, particularly in the less technical parts of the track, where he caught up to Trystan at times. The confidence he gained from this race shows his resilience, even when things weren’t going perfectly. “It was a great comeback for me,” Cody added. “Just not quite enough to catch Trystan.”
Will Rearon – P3: Battling Through Challenges
Will Rearon got off to a great start, taking the whole shot and leading the race early on. However, things quickly took a turn when he slipped and bent his rear brake pedal. Despite the setback, Will managed to recover and push through the rest of the race. But once in third, he found himself in “no man’s land,” with a significant gap to both the leaders. While the race conditions were tough, Will was happy to secure a spot on the podium, saying, “Considering everything, I’m happy to be on the podium.”
The Toughest Part of the Day
For all the riders, the hardest part of the race was dealing with the lappers and the tricky sections of the track. Tristan described the lappers as “brutal,” especially in the snow and mud, which made it difficult to maintain traction. Cody agreed, noting that the slippery conditions in the technical sections added an extra layer of difficulty. Will, however, found the challenge of managing his bike’s rear brake to be his biggest obstacle.
What’s Next?
Trystan Hart’s victory in Donner marks a significant point in the Hard Enduro series, as he clinches his fifth title. Despite a challenging season filled with setbacks, including a collarbone injury, Trystan’s resilience shines through. “Winning a round after everything that happened this year is pretty crazy,” he said. With TKO next on the calendar, Trystan will certainly be a rider to watch!
