HEPC 2025 – Cyprian in control, Norbi fights back, Jarvis leaves a mark, Ott gets stronger!

A Three-Day Showdown in Romania’s Rugged Heart Hard Enduro Piatra Craiului once again delivered an epic test of endurance, skill, and mental grit.

Rain, rivers, rocky uphills, and relentless forest climbs shaped the 2025 edition. The weekend opened with a fast and dusty prologue and evolved into one of the most intense events of the championship calendar. Let’s dive into each class.

Day 2 (Saturday):
Rain turned the track into a slippery maze, but David Cyprian rose above the chaos, finishing in 3:20:37. Kornel Ott came in second with 3:24:15, while Jozsa Norbert Levente, feeling under the weather, slipped to 3:29:01.

Day 3 (Sunday):
Clear skies, brutal terrain. Cyprian remained sharp, dominating again in 2:55:16. Norbi pushed hard to recover and pulled off 2:59:38, reclaiming ground on Ott, who lost time in the technical climbs and finished with 3:06:56.

David Cyprian, the clear weekend leader, shared his thoughts on the demanding terrain and overall race experience:

“Piatra Craiului didn’t disappoint. First offroad day was pretty difficult in the rain, but I was able to win. Second day was perfect—ups, downs, rivers—everything hard enduro has to offer. I had a blast!”

Kornel Ott, who held second overall until the final day, summed it up bluntly:

“The most difficult in the championship so far!”

Jozsa Norbert Levente of Master Bike Cluj, who overcame a tough start to climb back into second overall, explained:

“After the prologue I felt weak, a cold hit me hard. I lost time on the final A-line on Day 2, had no energy. Didn’t like the feeling, so I bit down and pushed on Day 3, putting 7 minutes into Ott and securing second overall.”

Note: British legend Graham Jarvis was present and delivered a strong Day 2 ride (3:35:55), before retiring in the final race.

EXPERT CLASS – Tactical riding leads to victory

David Ioan Ignat kept a smart pace across both days and secured victory with a total time of 5:54:50. Raul Marian Marin wasn’t far behind at 6:01:50, maintaining second after strong rides both days. Mădălin Chelcea completed the podium with 6:24:05, showing endurance on Day 3.

4th – Marius Achim Popovici – 6:37:12 (fastest prologue in class but time losses in the forest)
5th – Sergiu Grecu – 6:38:54 (solid final day, nearly catching Popovici)

VETERAN CLASS – Cyprian senior wins, Bart strikes back late

Zdenek Cyprian proved unstoppable, winning both racing days and securing the class in 6:41:10. Bart Stroișteanu, though behind on Day 2, came alive on Sunday with a time of 3:07:59, closing the gap to take second overall in 7:22:20. Robert Markus rounded out the podium at 7:50:27.

4th – Gheorghe Orzan – 7:52:56 (lost minutes on downhill switchbacks)
5th – Adrian Broughton – 8:22:51 (fought hard through tough climbs)

HOBBY CLASS – Chiujdea dominates early, holds off the charge

Ioan Chiujdea maintained his lead after winning the prologue and posted consistent times across both race days. His overall time was 6:45:24, securing him the top step. Marcel Togoie followed with 7:08:20, while Eduard Petcu claimed third in 7:26:31.

4th – Andrei Ilie – 7:39:20 (strong push on Day 3)
5th – David Pop – 8:00:40 (resilient effort after a slow start)

WOMEN’S CLASS – Maria unstoppable

Maria Grigoraș led the class from start to finish with a commanding overall time of 5:05:01, riding confidently in every condition. Anda Maria Sălăjan took second in 12:47:39, while Alexandra Radu came in third with 13:00:44.

4th – Mihaela Ioniță – 13:32:39 (great effort despite a difficult Day 3)
5th – Patricia Stoica – DNF on Day 2 (but completed Sunday’s stage)

If the Prologue was fire, Days 2 and 3 were the inferno. Riders now shift their focus to the next battle – Ditrocks Hard Enduro. The mountains are unforgiving, but Romania proves again why it’s a capital of Hard Enduro.

OVERALL Results Hard Enduro Piatra Craiului 2025

Foto – FRM.ro – Marius Dinca