Erzbergrodeo 2025: World Title Stakes at the Iron Giant, ADV Hardware Ready to Rumble

Right, let’s cut to the chase. The Erzbergrodeo, the undisputed heavyweight champion of extreme enduro, is locked in for May 29th to June 1st, 2025. The “Iron Giant” in Eisenerz, Austria, isn’t just hosting another race; it’s set to crown the Extreme Enduro World Champion for the first time. This changes the game.

For its 29th run, expect the usual mayhem as pros and ambitious amateurs from 41 nations descend on Styria. What’s notable this year is the sheer breadth of talent. We’re not just talking hard enduro specialists. The entry list boasts riders from the Enduro World Championship, Trials, American Supercross, and even Rally Raid. That cross-pollination of skill is what makes Erzberg unique. Interestingly, the organizers report that 56% of all participants fall into the 18-19 age bracket, a significant nod to the sport’s next generation.

The action kicks off Thursday with the Mitas Rocket Ride, a no-holds-barred hillclimb. Out of 300 hopefuls, only 48 will battle it out in the evening superfinal. Expect Tobi Merz to attempt his signature backflip.

Friday and Saturday are all about the Blaklader Iron Road Prologue. Nearly 1,100 riders will tackle the 15km high-speed gravel course, each gunning for one of the 500 spots in Sunday’s main event. Alongside this, the Trial Xtreme Challenge offers another path to the front, with riders on identical GASGAS trial bikes vying for a wildcard starting position in the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo.

The Heavy Hitters Lining Up:

The talent pool is deep. Consider this: the top riders converging on the “Mountain of Iron” share a staggering 44 world titles and 18 previous Erzbergrodeo victories.

• Manuel Lettenbichler (DE, KTM): The man to beat. “Letti” is chasing his fourth consecutive victory (2022-2024) and is in prime form. Karl Katoch, Erzbergrodeo’s main architect, calls him “the rider with quite simply the best combination of riding technique, physical condition and mindset.”
• Key Challengers:
  • Trystan Hart (CAN, KTM) – consistently on the podium.
  • Billy Bolt (UK, Husqvarna) – a 6-time finisher hungry for the top step.
  • Mario Roman (ESP, Sherco) – always a threat.
  • Wade Young (ZAF, GASGAS) – a 9-time finisher.
  • Jonny Walker (GBR, Triumph) – a three-time winner adapting to new machinery.
  • Teodor Kabakchiev (BGR, Sherco).
  • Cody Webb (USA, Yamaha) – America’s best hope with two podiums to his name.
• The Legends: Don’t count out two-time winner Alfredo Gomez (ESP, Beta) or the ageless Graham Jarvis (GBR, KTM). At 50, Jarvis remains a force. And yes, Taddy Blazusiak (POL, KTM), with five consecutive wins, is back.
• Young Guns: Watch for Mitch Brightmore (GBR, GASGAS), Matthew Green (ZAF, KTM), Dominik Olszowy (POL, Rieju), Ash Brightmore (GBR, GASGAS), and American Ryder Leblond (USA, Husqvarna).
• ADV-Relevant & Crossover Stars:
  • EnduroGP champs Josep Garcia (ESP, KTM) and Andrea Verona (ITA, GASGAS).
  • 2025 Dakar Rally winner Danny Sanders (AUS, KTM) will contest the Prologue on his KTM 450 Rally – a sight to see.
  • US Supercross rider Carson Brown (KTM) returns, hooked after last year.
  • Twin-Cylinder Battle: This is where it gets interesting for many US ADV riders.
    • Jonny Aubert (FRA) on the KTM 890 Adventure R.
    • Pol Tarres (ESP) and Kevin Gallas (DE) campaigning their Yamaha Ténéré 700s, with plans to tackle Sunday’s main event on these big bikes.
    • Patrick Neisser (AUT) aims for a third Twin-Cylinder Rock Cup for Ducati aboard a Desert X.

Even MotoGP stars are getting in on the action. Remy Gardner (AUS) will be racing a two-stroke Yamaha, while Pedro Acosta (ESP) will be on-site supporting his Red Bull KTM colleagues.

A new addition this year is the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo Kessel Parade XXX on Friday. Karl Katoch will lead a massive procession of participants and crew into the starting bowl for a gigantic “XXX” formation photo, marking the run-up to the 30th anniversary next year.

For those not making the trip to Austria, the main event will be broadcast live on ServusTV and Red Bull TV from 12:30 PM CET on Sunday, June 1st. Pat Parnell and Ed Leigh will host the international Red Bull TV stream.

And, of course, the legendary Red Bull Erzbergrodeo Rider Parties in the marquee will be in full swing each night, offering a chance for everyone from factory pros to Erzberg first-timers to unwind.

This isn’t just another race; it’s a benchmark. The decision to award the Extreme Enduro World Champion title at Erzberg elevates the stakes significantly.

For the full schedule and ticket information, head to www.redbullerzbergrodeo.com.

For more analysis and insights into how events like these shape the ADV scene, keep it locked on Bike Travel Adventures. Questions or comments? Reach out via our contact form.