ECONT Bulgaria’s Teodor Kabakchiev takes the Offroad Day 2 win at Red Bull Romaniacs, round three of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship. Charging his way through the field, the Bulgarian was rewarded for his efforts with the day’s fastest time.
Finishing as runner-up to Kabakchiev, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler has extended his lead in the world’s toughest Hard Enduro Rallye, while Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt was once again third.
- Teodor Kabakchiev impressed with victory on Offroad Day 2
- Manuel Lettenbichler extends race lead at round three
- Two more days of racing remain at Red Bull Romaniacs
After yesterday’s dramatic opening day in the mountains at round three of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, competitors hoped for a more stable day in the saddle at Red Bull Romaniacs. However, with the event already living up to its reputation as the ‘Impossible Edition’, they were certain another tough day would be in store.
Claiming a massive 23-minute margin of victory yesterday, it was clear that Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler began his day in high spirits as he led the field of riders away. After a short trail, the course led riders straight to today’s LIVEmaniacs section. Three loops of the technical climb awaited them before they could head deeper into the mountains.
Second on the road, FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Trystan Hart made quick work of the LIVEmanaics climbs and was able to claim the fastest overall time, beating Lettenbichler by 18 seconds. Sonny Goggia (KTM) was third quickest through it, with Kabakchiev next in fourth.
Kabakchiev on a charge in the mountains
As they headed towards service, it was the Bulgarian Kabakchiev who was setting the pace. The ECONT Bulgaria rider, who had started out seventh on the road, was already in front of Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna), Michael Walkner (GASGAS), Wade Young (Sherco), and Bolt. With thoughts of a stage win clearly on his mind, the second half of the day would prove exciting.
Halfway round the opening loop Lettenbichler overtook Gomez to lead on the road. And it would be a position he would hold for the remainder of what turned out to be an eventful day. As competitors filled the Martial Arts section, it was FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Trystan Hart who exited the quarry leading on corrected time. The Canadian made light work of the tricky climbs and was riding well. Sherco Factory Racing’s Wade Young was also looking good.
Entering the midday service and all the major contenders were in close contention. Lettenbichler held an advantage, but not by much. Under clear skies, they pushed on after service, riding relatively fast and flowing trails across the mountains.
Young was proving super consistent. Sitting just 36 seconds behind Lettenbichler at checkpoint 10. With two checkpoints remaining, the outcome of Offroad Day 1 was set to go down to the wire between the duo, with Hart two minutes behind in third.
Thunder clouds roll in to close the day
However, the Carpathian Mountains were feeling angry and with a monumental thunderstorm rolling in during the closing stages, it would prove no easy, sun-kissed race to the finish line. Heavy rain and hail caused havoc and the final climbs were treacherous.
Topping the penultimate checkpoint, Teodor had the win in his grasp, but Manuel refused to back down. The German responded with the fastest time in the final checkpoint by over two minutes. But it wasn’t enough.
With Teodor already putting the hard yards in earlier in the day, the Bulgarian maintained his advantage to win by just over two minutes from Lettenbichler.
For Bolt it was another solid effort in the Carpathian Mountains. Pleased with topping checkpoint 10, he took third overall to close a bit more time back on Hart who holds second in the classification.
Hart hangs on to second
After an impressive LIVEmaniacs sector, and posting numerous top times, Hart’s day was hampered before the service point. Tomorrow he’ll look to manage his advantage over Bolt.
With another top-five showing, GASGAS’ Michael Walkner came home just eight minutes behind Hart. The Austrian is growing stronger and stronger with every ride in the Carpathian Mountains and is eager for a breakthrough day.
Sherco Factory Racing’s Wade Young took sixth. Young still holds down fourth in the overall classification. Spurred on by his LIVEmaniacs performance, Goggia came home in seventh today, ahead of Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna).
Teodor Kabakchiev (KTM): “It was a great day for me. I started out fast and was able to catch up to Billy and Wade. I decided to go for it and overtook them before the service. But shortly after I missed a turning and had to retrace my steps.”
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM): “It worked out to be a solid day. I started first on the road and nobody caught me, so I’m happy about that. There were a lot of climbs towards the end, and I could feel yesterday’s riding beginning to catch up on me.”
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna): “The day was pretty good and felt long towards the end. I made some mistakes in the easier parts of the track but managed the Gold climbs well. Those errors are frustrating, but I’ve two more days to iron them out.”
Wade Young (Sherco): “It was a fun day. After yesterday’s slog, it was a nicer day. There were plenty of hard sections, but at least it was drier today and a chance to enjoy the mountains.”
Provisional Results: Round 3, Red Bull Romaniacs – Offroad Day 2
Gold Class
1. Teodor Kabakchiev (KTM) 4:55:45; 2. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 4:57:46; 3. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 5:09:18; 4. Trystan Hart (KTM) 5:10:46; 5. Michael Walkner (GASGAS) 5:17:56; 6. Wade Young (Sherco) 5:19:20; 7. Sonny Goggia (KTM) 5:43:11; 8. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) 5:45:13; 9. Matthew Green (KTM) 5:52:15; 10. Mario Roman (Sherco) 5:54:10…
Provisional Classification (After Offroad Day 2)
Gold Class
1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 9:44:22; 2. Trystan Hart (KTM) 10:22:09; 3. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 10:30:01; 4. Wade Young (Sherco) 10:48:16; 5. Teodor Kabakchiev (KTM) 10:56:02; 6. Michael Walkner (GASGAS) 10:57:48; 7. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) 11:33:50; 8. Mario Roman (Sherco) 12:06:06; 9. Sonny Goggia (KTM) 12:15:29; 10. Matthew Green (KTM) 12:30:27…
