Josep Garcia kicked off the 2025 Red Bull Erzbergrodeo in style by setting the fastest time on the opening day of the Blakläder Iron Road Prologue, while Australians Daniel Sanders and Will Riordan also impressed by securing spots inside the top ten.
The five-time Enduro World Champion piloted his KTM 350 EXC-F to the top of the leaderboard with a blistering time of 10:25.661 on the 15 km gravel course.
With nearly 1,100 competitors tackling the high-speed strip up the Iron Giant, conditions played into the hands of the world’s best. A light shower had dampened the dust but left the surface in ideal shape—grippy, smooth and fast. Garcia, clearly comfortable in the slick conditions, said the track was “perfectly prepared today and really very fast,” adding, “I had a very good feeling on my KTM and am delighted with the fastest time.”
Andrea Verona kept Garcia honest, finishing seven seconds adrift with a 10:32.804. The multi-time EnduroGP World Champion showed he’s in the hunt. A further 14 seconds back, Daniel Sanders rounded out the top three aboard his KTM 450 EXC-F. Fresh from his Dakar Rally triumph earlier this year, the Aussie brought his trademark aggression to Erzberg and slotted in nicely among the elite. Another Australian, Will Riordan, managed to slot himself into the top ten, finishing 8th and making it two Aussies at the head of the field.
The top 50 from today’s prologue run secure front-row starts for Sunday’s main event, and all the big names delivered. Factory stars like Manuel Lettenbichler, Trystan Hart, Billy Bolt, Jonny Walker, Mario Roman, Teodor Kabakchiev, Wade Young, and Alfredo Gomez all punched their ticket.
Just missing the cut was hard enduro legend Graham Jarvis, who landed 58th, less than five seconds outside the bubble. The 50-year-old, a five-time Erzbergrodeo winner, will be back at it tomorrow for another run at the top 50.
One of the standout efforts came from Austria’s own Valentino Hutter. The 17-year-old slotted into 22nd overall with a time of 11:26.085, cementing his place among the world’s best. Fellow Austrian and Erzberg prologue legend Ossi Reisinger, with five prologue wins to his name, wasn’t far behind in 24th.
While the Iron Road Prologue dominated the day, fans in the Action Arena were treated to even more action. Over 100 riders took on the Trial Xtreme Challenge, piloting GASGAS trial bikes through a purpose-built section featuring a 5-metre-high wall ride. Following practice today, tomorrow’s timed qualifying will whittle the field down to 40 riders for the evening’s Super Final, where the winner scores a coveted front-row start for Sunday’s main race.
Adding to the festivities was the always-popular One-On-One Rider Presentation, with host Andi Brewi and Erzbergrodeo spokesman Martin Kettner introducing the stars and rookies of the hard enduro world. Riders showcased their skills on the challenging trial course in front of a packed crowd in what’s become one of the event’s most fan-friendly traditions.
Friday wrapped up with an epic moment as Karl Katoch, the mastermind behind the event, led thousands of riders, staff and media on a parade lap from the arena to the start area. More than 2,000 bikes formed a massive “XXX” shape for a symbolic group photo marking next year’s 30th anniversary of the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo.
The second and final prologue run takes place tomorrow, with the top 500 fastest riders qualifying for Sunday’s main event—the ultimate showdown against the mighty Iron Mountain.
Blakläder Iron Road Prologue – Day One Results (Top 10):
1 Josep Garcia (ESP, KTM) – 10:25.661
2 Andrea Verona (ITA, GASGAS) – 10:32.804
3 Danny Sanders (AUS, KTM) – 10:46.804
4 Dominik Olszowy (POL, Rieju) – 10:54.455
5 Billy Bolt (UK, Husqvarna) – 11:02.426
6 Jonny Walker (UK, Triumph) – 11:03.519
7 Szymon Zajaczkowski (POL, KTM) – 11:04.068
8 Will Riordan (AUS, Sherco) – 11:09.074
9 Chris Gundermann (GER, KTM) – 11:09.516
10 Manuel Lettenbichler (GER, KTM) – 11:10.919
