Round four of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship roared into life at Red Bull Romaniacs with Red Bull Beta’s Jonny Walker winning the in-city Prolog qualification final. In what proved an action-packed evening of racing in Sibiu, Romania, the Gold class final saw Walker take a commanding victory over RIEJU Factory Racing’s Alfredo Gomez in second, with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler third.
Action-Packed Prolog Finals at Red Bull Romaniacs
Always eagerly anticipated, round four of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship got underway at the iconic Red Bull Romaniacs in Sibiu, Romania. Celebrating its 21st edition, the world’s toughest Hard Enduro Rally opened for business with the traditional in-city Prolog. A man-made course in the heart of Sibiu, thousands of spectators gathered to watch the world’s best riders battle it out for glory.
Jonny Walker Dominates First Day of Racing in Romania
Taking to the course first, the Bronze class and then Silver class finals offered a taste of what was to come for the Gold class final. Exciting battles were had, and an early highlight was 14-year-old Mexican Fernando Pascal (KTM) winning Bronze.
With the Gold class riders lined up for their 10-minute-plus-one-lap final, it was Red Bull Beta’s Jonny Walker who had qualified fastest over TTR Squadra Corse’s Mitch Brightmore. RIEJU Factory Racing’s Alfredo Gomez, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler, and TTR Squadra Corse’s Ashton Brightmore closed out the front row.
As the start flag dropped, Walker shot out to an early lead. Lettenbichler gave chase, but a crash midway down the main straight left him playing catch up for the remainder of the race.
Rider Quotes
Jonny Walker (Beta): “The course was tough. The tire section was the most difficult because of the water being dragged onto them. That was the hardest part to get right. For the last three laps, I managed to settle down, kept my rhythm high, and rode it out to the finish line.”
Alfredo Gomez (RIEJU): “I’m happy with this result. Jonny was just that bit faster than me. The pace was fast early on. I actually had a small crash that dropped me down to about fifth. I fought to recover from that, so second is great.”
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM): “Crashing at the start wasn’t ideal, but it’s no harm to get the first one out of the way. The tires were so slippery, and there was plenty of carnage as a result. Honestly, I’m stoked to get third. Now I’m looking forward to tomorrow in the mountains.”
