Mani Lettenbichler delivered a commanding performance on Red Bull Romaniacs Offroad Day 2, winning the brutally technical stage with a 12-minute and 19-second advantage over Teo Kabakchiev.
The race returned to a region that had not been visited since 2018, throwing competitors into hidden rocks, massive boulder gardens, steep climbs and rough terrain that offered almost no opportunity to settle into a comfortable rhythm.
With little separating the leading Gold Class riders at the start of the day, every mistake had the potential to reshape the overall battle. Lettenbichler responded by setting the most consistent pace through the checkpoints and gradually pulling clear of his rivals.
No Time to Settle into a Rhythm
Long grass and thick vegetation concealed rocks beneath the surface, forcing riders to stay alert even through sections that initially appeared fast. Lettenbichler maintained a relentless pace aboard his KTM, while Kabakchiev and Michael Walkner initially managed to reduce the gap.
Behind them, the next generation was involved in an intense battle of its own. James Moore, brothers Mitch and Ashton Brightmore, Matthew Green and Thomas Scales remained closely matched throughout the day.
Lettenbichler Masters the Rocks ’n’ Roll Challenge
The decisive section was the LEATT LIVEmaniacs Stage 2, known as “Rocks ’n’ Roll.” The steep boulder section had to be completed across three laps, with riders receiving no opportunity to inspect the obstacles beforehand. They had to read the terrain while riding and improve their approach with every pass.
Lettenbichler arrived with a sizeable advantage over Kabakchiev and immediately looked comfortable among the huge rocks. Working in harmony with his motorcycle, the German timed his movements over the boulders and carried more momentum with every lap. Even a heavy crash inside the section was not enough to derail his performance.
The finish line came immediately after LIVEmaniacs, where Lettenbichler stopped the clock with a winning margin of 12m 19s.
Kabakchiev Holds Second Under Pressure
Kabakchiev entered the LIVEmaniacs section with Walkner close behind. Moore, the Brightmore brothers and Scales also arrived while continuing their charge through the field.
After an already exhausting day in the mountains, Kabakchiev began to show signs of fatigue during the demanding three-lap challenge. However, the Sherco rider pushed through and protected second place. Walkner finished close behind in third, securing another Gold Class podium result.
Gold Class – Offroad Day 2
- Mani Lettenbichler – Germany
- Teo Kabakchiev – Bulgaria
- Michael Walkner – Austria
Graham Jarvis Sets the Second-Fastest LIVEmaniacs Time
Lettenbichler was also the fastest rider through the LEATT LIVEmaniacs section, but Graham Jarvis produced another important performance aboard the electric Jarv-e.
Using the precision developed through his trials background, the “Silent Assassin” recorded the second-fastest time over the huge rock features. Jarvis controlled the electric motorcycle with remarkable accuracy, putting the new project through one of its toughest tests yet.
Fastest LEATT LIVEmaniacs Times
- Mani Lettenbichler – Germany
- Graham Jarvis – Great Britain, Jarv-e
- James Moore – South Africa
Jarvis’ result continued to highlight the potential of electric motorcycles in elite Hard Enduro, with the sport’s legendary Silent Assassin introducing his new eMoto project in the toughest possible environment.
Lettenbichler: “I Had to Push Hard”
“It’s been a fast day. I had to push hard to make a gap from the others. I didn’t expect it to be that hard. We had to ride really carefully with the long grass and bushes, with rocks hidden underneath.”
“There were some sick Gold uphills where I gained a bit of time. We went through a crazy old mine, which was also sick. The LIVEmaniacs section was a bit like a trials section. I did have a big crash in there, otherwise it was a solid day. Happy to be at the finish and go get rested!”
A Spectacular Finish Inside Lupeni Mine
The final challenge took every competitor into the historic Lupeni Mine, an industrial landmark more than 100 years old. Rusted steel structures, derelict buildings and crumbling remains of Romania’s mining industry created one of the most unusual backdrops ever used for a Red Bull Romaniacs finish.
The site combined technical riding with a dramatic industrial setting, delivering another finish that could only belong to Romaniacs.
Silver Leaders Remain Closely Matched
Silver Class riders faced a balanced mixture of fast, enjoyable trails and technical wake-up calls, including the section named “Dragon’s Spine.” The 127-kilometre route also offered spectacular alpine scenery, although the leading three riders remained closely matched despite the length of the day.
Sandon Kerswell took another class victory ahead of Florian Kirchmayer and Lorenz Steinkellner. Sandra Gomez completed the day in eighth position, while Remy Gardner finished 36th.
Silver Class – Offroad Day 2
- Sandon Kerswell – Australia
- Florian Kirchmayer – Austria
- Lorenz Steinkellner – Austria
Benjamin Richter Wins Bronze as Tjaša Fifer Climbs to Fourth
Bronze Class covered 132 kilometres, combining short technical Hard Enduro sections with fast, open mountain tracks. A large boulder garden kept riders focused, while the quicker sections offered opportunities to find a rhythm and enjoy the Romanian scenery.
Benjamin Richter won the day ahead of David Rusanescu and Francisco Mateu. Slovenia’s Tjaša Fifer produced one of the standout performances, climbing to fourth position and moving ahead of Romaniacs veteran Emanuel Gyenes.
Bronze Class – Offroad Day 2
- Benjamin Richter – Germany
- David Rusanescu – Romania
- Francisco Mateu – Spain
Classic Romaniacs Terrain for Iron and Atom
Iron Class faced fewer punishing moments than the leading categories, but its 120-kilometre route still included a selection of traditional Romaniacs technical sections.
Atom riders covered 123 kilometres on the most accessible route in the Hard Enduro category.The tracks were largely enjoyable, although several unexpected technical challenges ensured the riders remained alert throughout the day.
Dani Otil slips to 4th in the Overall after eMoto DAY2
Romanian TV Host – Dani Otil finished the day in 5th place, and with that he will drop also one spot in the overall rankings. Now he is just a little over 4minutes from the podium, and 10min 42s seconds behind the leader, Martin Dosch. Karl-Jörg Mittendorf and Ovidiu Tronaru are in 2nd and 3rd.
Roast Mode
Lettenbichler described a day filled with invisible rocks, huge climbs, an abandoned mine and a three-lap boulder section as “fast.”
