Manuel Lettenbichler Wins Red Bull Erzbergrodeo 2026 for Fifth Straight Time

Manuel Lettenbichler made more history at the 30th edition of Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, claiming his fifth consecutive victory at the world’s toughest Extreme Enduro race and matching one of the event’s most iconic records.

The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider took control of the race early and never looked back, crossing the finish line in 3:05:39 after a dominant ride on the Iron Mountain. Behind him, Trystan Hart secured second place to complete a KTM 1-2, while Mario Roman fought his way onto the podium in third.

Under perfect weather conditions and on an extremely selective 35-kilometre course, 500 riders took the start in Eisenerz. In the end, only 15 riders from 10 nations reached the finish line inside the Milwaukee Action Arena after four brutal hours of racing.

Lettenbichler takes over early

After starting from pole position in the Red Bull Hare Scramble, Lettenbichler quickly settled into the lead group. Mitch Brightmore initially led the race, with Lettenbichler and Hart close behind, but the German KTM rider moved to the front by Checkpoint 4 and never gave up control.

From there, he steadily built his advantage. By checkpoint 13 he had already opened a gap, and as the race moved deeper into the most demanding parts of the course, he continued to stretch the lead. At the legendary Carl’s Dinner, he was already in command, and through iconic sections like Dynamite and Lazy Noon, he looked fully in control.

He eventually reached the finish nearly nine minutes ahead of Hart, sealing not only his fifth straight Erzberg victory, but also equalling the record for consecutive wins at the event.

Lettenbichler said:
“Five wins at Erzberg, I have no words! It’s been an unbelievable race and I couldn’t be happier. I had an alright start, but quickly got in the mix with Mitch and Trystan and they were really pushing me hard. After that I felt so good on the bike and just enjoyed every section so much. It feels incredible to make it five in a row and equal the record. I am speechless!”

Hart strong in second, Roman wins podium fight

Trystan Hart also delivered an excellent ride. The Canadian ran near the front from the beginning, moved into second by checkpoint 11, briefly lost ground in the middle of the race, and then fought back again to secure the runner-up spot.

Hart said:
“I’m happy to come away with second place at Erzberg. It was a really tough race and I had to manage a few issues throughout, so it definitely wasn’t straightforward. I felt like I rode well in sections, but there were also areas where I know I can improve. That’s part of racing at an event as demanding as this.”

Behind the top two, the battle for the final podium place was intense. Mitch Brightmore, Mario Roman, Teodor Kabakchiev, James Moore, and Jonny Walker were all in the fight at different moments. Walker was running strongly before a branch punctured his radiator and forced him out, while the positions between Brightmore, Roman, Kabakchiev, and Moore changed several times.

In the end, Mario Roman put in the decisive ride to secure third place, ahead of Kabakchiev and Brightmore.

Electric bikes make a statement

One of the standout stories of the day came from the electric bikes. For the first time, three electric-powered motorcycles reached the finish of Erzbergrodeo, with Eddie Karlsson, Toby Martyn, and Graham Jarvis all completing the race.

It was a significant moment for the sport and a clear sign that electric machinery is becoming increasingly competitive in the hardest extreme enduro conditions.

A brutal course delivers again

The 2026 course once again lived up to Erzberg’s reputation. The split version of Carl’s Dinner, now appearing as Checkpoint 10 and Checkpoint 22, increased the difficulty even more, while sections such as Blakläder Zentrum am Berg, Wacker Neuson, Speedweek Machine, The SegWAY, and Dynamite demanded everything from the riders right from the opening phase of the race.

Red Bull Erzbergrodeo 2026 – Top 15

1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM)
2. Trystan Hart (KTM)
3. Mario Roman (Husqvarna)
4. Teodor Kabakchiev (Sherco)
5. Mitch Brightmore (GASGAS)
6. James Moore (Beta)
7. Michael Walkner (GASGAS)
8. Ashton Brightmore (GASGAS)
9. Eddie Karlsson (Stark Future)
10. Graham Jarvis (Jarv-E)
11. Lorenzo Gandola (Sherco)
12. Toby Martyn (Stark Future)
13. Cody Webb (Yamaha)
14. Dieter Rudolf (GASGAS)
15. Ryder LeBlond (Husqvarna)

With five consecutive wins, Lettenbichler is no longer just the current king of Erzberg — he is now level with the greatest names the race has ever seen.