With ski star: Erzbergrodeo celebrates anniversary

For the wildest off-road pilots on two wheels, the toughest battle against stones, mud and gravity is celebrating an anniversary this year.

June 03, 2026

From: apa/dl

The 30th Red Bull Erzbergrodeo kicks off in Eisenerz on Thursday, with riders competing for prestige and success. The highlight of the motorcycle spectacle is the main race on Sunday (12:50 pm/live on ServusTV). German rider Manuel Lettenbichler hopes for his fifth consecutive victory in Styria, and ski star Franjo von Allmen will also be competing.

More than 1.200 participants from 41 nations are taking on the challenge of the "Iron Mountain" this year. The Erzbergrodeo is considered the toughest extreme enduro race in the world. "In the off-road motorcycle world, there is nothing more important or interesting," emphasized motorcycle legend Heinz Kinigadner, who participated in the first edition of the grueling ride up the Erzberg. "It essentially created the name 'extreme enduro.' Everyone in the motorsport world knows what to expect there," added the 66-year-old.

The Erzbergrodeo is considered the toughest extreme enduro race in the world. © www.redbullmediahouse.com

The “Wings for Life” foundation, which he and Red Bull established, has supported the Erzbergrodeo for years. For the beverage company, it is one of the most important events of the year in Austria. The iconic red-white-red event kicks off on Thursday with a steep hill climb race, followed by the prologue on Friday and Saturday, a nearly 15 km course in which 500 participants will qualify for the main race on Sunday.

Electric motorcycles approved for the first time

In this race, KTM rider Lettenbichler aims to extend his winning streak and join record holders Taddy Blazusiak and Graham Jarvis. Jarvis will be competing on a self-developed electric motorcycle – this year, for the first time, electric motorcycles are permitted in all events. "I see great potential for the future," said Erzbergrodeo founder and organizer Karl Katoch. "The number of registrations confirms this."

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Besides the professionals, the starting list also includes amateurs and prominent names. Swiss skier Von Allmen, triple Olympic champion in downhill, Super-G, and team combined in February, will try his luck on a KTM bike. As will Australian Daniel Sanders, winner of the 2025 Dakar Rally.

Keywords Motorsport Alpine skiing Red Bull erzbergrodeo Franjo von Allmen