The Red Bull Erzbergrodeo will celebrate its 30th anniversary from June 4–7, 2026, and while the numbers around the world’s most notorious Extreme Enduro continue to impress, one change stands out above all others: electric motorcycles, led by the Stark Varg, will line up at Erzberg for the very first time.
For 2026, the event takes a significant step forward with the inclusion of electric motorcycles across all competitive elements of the weekend. From the iconic Rocket Ride to the flat-out Iron Road Prologue and the main event itself, electric machines will compete head-to-head with combustion-powered bikes. It’s a move that mirrors a broader shift across elite motorsport, with electric machinery already finding its place in major series such as SuperEnduro and the World Supercross Championship.
Red Bull Erzbergrodeo founder and organiser Karl Katoch says the decision reflects both the evolution of the sport and the opportunity to expand its competitive landscape. “In 2026, Stark Future will be represented for the first time at the event where Extreme Enduro has been competing for decades: the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo,” Katoch said, explaining that the brand will take on the same uncompromising sporting and technical challenges as the rest of the field. He added that developing the event’s target group through “healthy competition and valuable sporting rivalry” was a key motivation behind the move.
Stark Future, currently the leading name in electric off-road motorcycles, has already confirmed it will bring two top riders to Erzberg, with Eddie Karlsson and Toby Martyn set to campaign the Stark Varg. The manufacturer believes it has a genuine chance of seeing an electric bike reach the finish of the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo in 2026, a milestone that would mark a major moment in Extreme Enduro history.
To accommodate the new technology, event regulations have been adapted. Electric motorcycle competitors will be permitted to change batteries at the official refuelling point with the assistance of a mechanic, recognising that battery swaps cannot be completed solo. Aside from that adjustment, electric and combustion bikes will run under the same rules, reinforcing the organisers’ intent to keep competition as equal as possible.
Supporting this shift, the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo will introduce its own emission-free charging infrastructure in partnership with RHK Energy Solutions. Katoch said the collaboration opens the door to setting new standards not just at Erzberg, but for future electric racing formats, including potential urban events.
While the arrival of the Stark Varg is a headline moment, organisers are also preparing a major celebration befitting three decades of Extreme Enduro history. Planning is already well advanced, with a more spectacular Rocket Ride, a new racing side event in the Erzbergrodeo Arena, and further developments planned for the Iron Road Prologue. Fans can also expect expanded off-track attractions, including a Walk of Fame, a Legends Parade and additional interactive challenges throughout the weekend.
Head of organisation Mark Schilling says the goal is to make the 30th anniversary unforgettable for riders and fans alike, noting that the track itself has been under development for months to ensure it lives up to the occasion.
