The 29th edition of the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo is set to roar into action on May 29th, once again transforming the Styrian Erzberg into the epicentre of the Extreme Enduro world.
The small Austrian town of Eisenerz is already buzzing as riders from 41 nations across all continents begin to descend on the iconic “mountain of iron” in preparation for what is arguably the toughest off-road motorcycle event on the planet.
This year’s event carries extra weight, as for the first time in history, the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo will crown the Extreme Enduro World Champion. The battle for this prestigious title has drawn an exceptionally stacked field of both world-class factory racers and ambitious amateurs, creating what organiser Karl Katoch describes as “the ultimate tribute to the efforts of these exceptional athletes.”
From the outset, the action will be relentless. The festival kicks off on Thursday with the crowd-favourite Mitas Rocket Ride, a head-to-head uphill sprint limited to 300 riders. The 48 fastest from qualifying will face off in a spectacular Superfinal under lights, with Freestyle MXer Tobi Merz returning to entertain the crowd with his signature backflip during the showdown.
On Friday and Saturday, nearly 1,100 riders will attack the 15-kilometre-long Blakläder Iron Road Prologue. This high-speed gravel dash winds its way through the open-cast mine, with riders racing individually over two timed runs. Only the fastest 500 will earn a place in Sunday’s main event. Running alongside the prologue is the Trial Xtreme Challenge, where over 150 riders aboard identical GASGAS trial bikes will fight for a wildcard entry into Sunday’s front row.
Among the elite athletes ready to tackle Erzberg are riders holding an astounding 44 world titles and 18 Red Bull Erzbergrodeo wins. Leading the charge is German star Manuel Lettenbichler, winner of the last three editions and considered the rider to beat. “Manuel is the one with the best combination of riding technique, physical condition and mindset. He will be the hunted,” said Katoch of the 27-year-old.
Hot on his heels will be a formidable list of contenders, including Trystan Hart (CAN), Billy Bolt (UK), Mario Roman (ESP), Wade Young (RSA), three-time winner Jonny Walker (UK), Teodor Kabakchiev (BG), and America’s top Erzberg performer Cody Webb. Legends like Alfredo Gomez (ESP) and the iconic Graham Jarvis (UK), now 50 years old, return to the mountain alongside five-time winner Taddy Blazusiak (POL).
The new wave of Enduro stars will also be out in force, led by British rider Mitch Brightmore, and including talents like Matthew Green (RSA), Dominik Olszowy (POL), Ash Brightmore (UK), Ryder Leblond (USA), Australia’s Will Riordan, and 17-year-old Austrian Valentino Hutter, who earned a front-row start in 2024.
Beyond the Enduro elite, the event is attracting big names from other disciplines. Five-time EnduroGP world champions Josep Garcia (ESP) and Andrea Verona (ITA) will be in the mix, while Daniel Sanders (AUS), fresh off his 2025 Dakar Rally win, and current leader of the 2025 World Rally Championsip, will make his debut in the Iron Road Prologue aboard his Rally bike. American Supercross talent Carson Brown also returns for another crack at the “craziest dirtbike race on earth.”
The twin-cylinder class promises fireworks with Jonny Aubert representing KTM, Yamaha fielding fan favourite Pol Tarres alongside Kevin Gallas, and Patrick Neisser riding Ducati’s Desert X in pursuit of a third Rock Cup title. Tarres and Gallas even plan to attempt Sunday’s main event aboard their Tenere 700s.
The event is also set to attract MotoGP royalty, with Remy Gardner (AUS) tackling the dirt aboard a two-stroke Yamaha and rising MotoGP star Pedro Acosta visiting the KTM camp to support factory teammates Lettenbichler, Hart and Garcia.
One of the standout moments of this year’s Erzbergrodeo will be Friday’s all-new Kessel Parade XXX, where thousands of riders and spectators will take part in a mass motorcycle parade that culminates in a huge ‘XXX’ formation in the Erzbergrodeo start area—a historic photo-op celebrating next year’s 30th anniversary.
From the seasoned champions to the hungry young guns, and the dirt-curious road racers to the rally kings, Erzberg 2025 is shaping up as the most exciting and diverse showdown in the event’s storied history.
