Red Bull Romaniacs has opened a new chapter in off-road competition by becoming the first event to put multi-cylinder motorcycles head-to-head on a man-made Prolog course.
A new era for Adventure Bike racing
The result was the birth of a new format of “HARD” Adventure Bike racing, with some of the world’s most experienced riders battling across the same spectacular obstacles in the centre of Sibiu.
Pol Tarrés, the rider who has repeatedly demonstrated how far a large adventure motorcycle can be pushed, entered the Prolog as the favourite. But the start line was packed with serious competition, including Kevin Gallas, Mario Roman, Dieter Rudolf, Jonny Walker and several other top riders.
The qualifying times were extremely close, and from the beginning it was clear that the Adventure Ultimate Final could belong to anyone.
Roman capitalizes as Tarrés makes mistakes
Tarrés and Gallas exchanged positions throughout the opening laps, with Mario Roman staying close behind and waiting for his opportunity.
Tarrés made several mistakes before a fall finally allowed Roman to move into the lead. Once in front, the Spaniard found his rhythm and began to pull away.
After ten years competing in the Gold Class on a lightweight enduro motorcycle, Roman adapted his smooth and efficient riding style perfectly to the much larger CFMOTO 450MT. His ability to avoid unnecessary movements and conserve energy became a major advantage on a motorcycle where fatigue can quickly become decisive.
Roman remained composed, avoided mistakes and pushed all the way to the finish to claim victory in the Adventure Ultimate Class.
First Romaniacs victory after five podiums
The result marked Mario Roman’s first-ever Red Bull Romaniacs victory, despite previously standing on the event’s podium five times.
“It feels amazing, it’s my first win here in ten years. I enjoyed the Prolog, I found my rhythm and didn’t make any mistakes. The water was the most challenging because it made the obstacles slippery.”
Roman was particularly proud of how he and the motorcycle handled the demanding course.
“I maintained my focus and am proud of my CFMOTO 450. It’s going to be a long week, it’s an amazing week and I’ll do my best.”
Pol Tarrés recovered to finish second, while Dieter Rudolf completed the podium in third. Like Roman, Rudolf has recently moved from the Gold Class into Adventure Bike racing and immediately proved competitive in the new category.
Adventure Ultimate Prolog podium
🥇 Mario Roman – CFMOTO
🥈 Pol Tarrés – Yamaha
🥉 Dieter Rudolf – KTM
One course built for nine classes
Behind the spectacle was Red Bull Romaniacs Prolog mastermind Andy Fazekas, who faced the difficult task of designing one course suitable for all nine classes.
The track was only six metres wide and needed to accommodate Enduro, Adventure and eMoto motorcycles, along with riders of very different experience and skill levels.
Fazekas slightly reduced the difficulty of each individual obstacle, but increased the overall physical and technical challenge by removing almost all recovery time between them.
“I slightly reduced the difficulty of each individual obstacle without compromising the spectacle. Instead, I increased the physical and technical demand by leaving virtually no recovery time between obstacles.”
This approach allowed the Adventure Ultimate, Bronze, Silver and Gold classes to race on nearly the same course, requiring only minor adjustments between finals.
“The course has an exceptional flow, especially for the faster riders. I’m very happy with this course, and the feedback from the riders has been fantastic.”
Adventure Bikes steal the spotlight
The Adventure Ultimate Final proved that large multi-cylinder motorcycles can deliver close, spectacular and technically demanding racing on a traditional hard enduro Prolog.
Roman’s victory, Tarrés’ relentless pace and Rudolf’s immediate podium result showed the potential of a category that is quickly developing its own identity.
The Prolog may have delivered Mario Roman’s first Red Bull Romaniacs victory, but the bigger test is still ahead. The riders now leave the man-made obstacles of Sibiu and head into the Carpathian Mountains for four long and demanding Offroad Days.
