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Against the punishing backdrop of Central Europe’s largest iron ore mine, where only the toughest endure, Manuel Lettenbichler has once again proved he is in a league of his own. The German hard enduro phenom captured his fourth straight victory at the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, cementing his status as the undisputed king of the world’s most unforgiving off-road motorcycle race.

Known for breaking both bikes and spirits, the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo is 35 kilometers of brutal terrain, littered with rock gardens, steep climbs, and near-vertical descents. Often described as the “ultimate test of physical endurance,” the 2025 edition lived up to its fearsome reputation. Of the 500 riders who qualified, only 14 reached the finish line within the four-hour time limit—a slight improvement over last year’s eight, but still a sobering statistic in a sport defined by attrition.

From the opening moments, the race delivered high drama. The Iron Road Prologue, held in slick, rainy conditions, saw five-time world enduro champion Josep Garcia set the fastest qualifying time. Sunday’s main race, however, belonged to Lettenbichler.

Launching from a strong Prologue result, Billy Bolt of the UK, took the early lead and appeared poised for a showdown. But Lettenbichler, riding for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, stayed patient. By checkpoint 10, just before the daunting “George Avenue” section, he made his move.

“Coming into this race as a title contender comes with a lot of pressure,” Lettenbichler reflected. “It was really hard to chase Billy during the first third of the race because the pace was very high and Theo [Kabakchiev] was between us. But I managed to pass him and I was trying to make it difficult for Billy. He was riding very well on the rocks, but I knew I should catch him when it was time for the trees.”

Lettenbichler surged ahead and never looked back, finishing in 2 hours and 49 minutes, a commanding 11 minutes ahead of Bolt, who claimed second. Bulgaria’s Teodor Kabakchiev rounded out the podium, finishing in 3 hours and 13 minutes.

Adding to the challenge, a sudden weather shift midway through the race brought fresh rain, further complicating the already treacherous course. Reduced grip and slick rock surfaces forced riders to adapt instantly or bow out. As one rider after another succumbed to the terrain, Lettenbichler’s composure and experience shone through.

“This is a special event—the race that made our sport what it is,” Bolt said after the finish. “I don’t think it would be that hard if you had all day to do the course, but there’s a time limit and 50 riders start from the same line. The intensity, at least for the first hour, is incredible.”

The event wasn’t just about the elite few who conquered the Iron Giant. With over 1,000 riders from 43 countries, the Erzbergrodeo was once again a global spectacle. Rally raid stars like Seth Quintero and Dakar 2025 winner Daniel Sanders joined the action with exhibition runs, adding to the weekend’s electric atmosphere.

But it was Lettenbichler who stood tallest—again—his fourth title underscoring a rare dominance in a sport where victory is often measured simply by survival.