Kabakchiev Fights for the Podium as Gandola Finishes on Erzbergrodeo Debut

The Red Bull Erzbergrodeo once again proved why it remains one of the toughest hard enduro races in the world. Set on the brutal slopes of Austria’s Iron Giant, the event forced riders through impossible climbs, rock gardens, fast sections, and technical trial-style obstacles where even the smallest mistake could end the day.

For Sherco Factory Racing, the 2026 edition brought two very different stories, with Teodor Kabakchiev fighting at the front and Lorenzo Gandola taking on the legendary race for the first time.

Kabakchiev close to the podium again

Teodor Kabakchiev delivered another strong performance at one of the sport’s biggest races. Starting inside the top 10, the Bulgarian gradually moved forward as the checkpoints passed and stayed in touch with the leading group throughout the race.

He was involved in a real battle for the podium, trading positions and fighting until the final part of the event. In the end, Kabakchiev finished fourth, narrowly missing out on a podium place, but leaving Erzberg with a lot of positives.

“A tough track this year, as expected. I had a top 10 start, passed riders as checkpoints progressed. I had a great fight for the podium, with back-and-forth passes and close racing until the end. I didn’t get a ‘rock’ this year, but I was riding clean and I have improved. That’s a positive. Thanks to my team and to everyone supporting me!”

Teodor Kabakchiev

Even without the podium reward, it was another reminder that Kabakchiev has the speed and control to stay with the very best in the sport.

Gandola completes first Erzbergrodeo

For Lorenzo Gandola, the 2026 race marked his first-ever Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, and the young Italian approached it with a clear objective: reach the finish and gain experience.

The prologue was already a challenge in itself. Less comfortable on the faster sections, Gandola had to adapt to a format that did not naturally suit his riding style. Even so, he managed to qualify in 49th place, which was enough to secure a front-row start for Sunday’s main race.

His opening phase on Sunday was far from ideal, with Gandola down in 46th at the first checkpoint, but he gradually found his pace and started building his race with patience and intelligence. Rather than forcing the issue, he focused on managing the event and reaching the finish line of one of the most feared races in hard enduro.

Mission accomplished.

“For me, it was my first time at the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo and I was really excited. In the prologue, I didn’t get a very good position because I still need to improve on the fast sections. It’s not my riding style and I need to train more for it. But I finished in 49th position, which allowed me to start from the front row for Sunday’s race.

The start of Sunday’s race didn’t go very well and I was 46th at the first checkpoint. But after a few checkpoints, I found my rhythm and managed the race intelligently to reach the finish. For me, this year, the important goal was to finish this race, and I’m very happy to have done it. Every race is new for me, and I learn step by step to give my best.”

Gandola ended the race in 11th place, a very solid result for a first appearance on the Iron Mountain.

Valuable weekend for Sherco

For Sherco Factory Racing, Erzberg 2026 was demanding but productive. Kabakchiev showed once again that he belongs in the fight at the front, while Gandola added another major experience to his development at the highest level.