Red Bull Romaniacs – Main Contenders

Marking the tenth anniversary of the Red Bull Romaniacs, the 2013 edition of the race is set to be the best yet. With over 360 riders from 40 different nations headed to Sibiu in Romania to contest the longest and toughest Hard Enduro race on the calendar, the predictions for victory are anything but easy.

With 41 Pro class riders entered, the Red Bull Romaniacs will see the world’s best Hard Enduro riders fight it out for the win during the course of the four-day race.

As the defending champion, Husaberg’s Graham Jarvis tops the entry list for this year’s race. For Jarvis, the Red Bull Romaniacs is a race he’s made his own. With three wins to his credit, Jarvis will make a bid for his fourth win in Romania and the chance to cement himself as the most successful rider in the ten-year history of the race.

Graham Jarvis is after his fourth Romaniacs win… © Red Bull Content Pool

But with 2013 featuring the strongest line up of riders ever seen, Jarvis can expect to be challenged every step of the way.

Two riders standing in his way of victory are that of New Zealand’s Chris Birch and Germany’s Andreas Lettenbichler. Both are past champions of the Romaniacs and both are desperate to win again.

For Birch, the race will mark his first competitive outing in 2013 and he’s eager to impress. Enduring a difficult 2012 due to a broken foot, Birch pushed passed the pain barrier to finish fourth. Starting this year fit, healthy and hungry to win, Birch wants to return to the podium.

Chris Birch is back in action… © Red Bull Content Pool

Lettenbichler is a rider that you can never count out. A past winner and consistent podium finisher at the Red Bull Romaniacs, the Husqvarna rider proved he’s riding on top form. Second overall at the Red Bull Hare Scramble in Erzberg, Lettenbichler will be hoping to transfer that confidence across to Romania.

One rider determined to redeem himself from the Red Bull Hare Scramble is KTM’s Jonny Walker. The Brit endured a myriad of problems at Erzberg and frustratingly missed out on a top three result to finish fourth. Taking third place at his debut ride in the 2012 Red Bull Romaniacs along with winning the Prologue and day four, Walker won’t be happy with anything less than a win.

Jonny Walker is looking for more than just a prologue © Red Bull Content Pool

Spain’s Alfredo Gomez is another rider hitting top form. The Husaberg rider secured his debut podium at Erzberg to finish third. It was a breakthrough result for the Spaniard and by proving that he has the ability to race with the best Hard Enduro riders his confidence is at an all time high.

New to the Hard Enduro scene but proving a fast learner, Ivan Cervantes (KTM) has signed up to contest this year’s race. Enjoying his first taste of Hard Enduro at Erzberg while also placing an impressive eighth, the five-time enduro world champion is a rider to watch.

Add in Husaberg’s Wade Young, Paul Bolton (KTM), Beta mounted Hemingway brothers Dan and Ben plus Cristobal Guerrero and Lars Enockl and it’s clear that even breaking inside the top ten will be a tough ask.

The Red Bull Romaniacs takes place in Sibiu from July 2- 6. Enduro21.com will be there to cover the action ever step of the way.