Erzbergrodeo 2024

New route for riders, four days of partying for fans

(Bild: Arthur Michalek / Red Bull Erzbergrodeo)

A key part of the toughest enduro race in the world is being brought forward this year. Fans at the Erzberg will be offered plenty of action from May 30 to June 2. Local hero Michael Walkner wants to finish on the podium for the first time.

What the Dakar is to rallies, the Erzbergrodeo is to hard enduro riders. "You can't beat it," says former motocross world champion Heinz Kinigadner, who knows that victory on the Erzberg carries more weight for the athletes than a world championship title.

"Carl's Dinner" brought forward
And for the 28th edition of the toughest extreme enduro race in the world from 30 May to 2 June at Erzberg in Styria, organizer Karl Katoch has come up with something special by bringing forward the key stage "Carl's Dinner".

Heinz Kinigadner with Michael Walkner and Karl Katoch on Thursday in Vienna

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

This means that more riders will be able to "enjoy" the legendary "Steinhölle" this year, which only the best have managed to reach so far and which is almost impossible to master. "It smells like a traffic jam," grins Kini, who will be commentating on the spectacle as a ServusTV expert.

"The Erzberg is brutal"
1500 riders from 50 nations are vying for one of the 500 starting places for Sunday in the prologue. After finishing sixth and seventh, Austria's hottest gun, Michael Walkner, is keen for a podium: "But I said that last year too - the Erzberg is brutal."

Timetable

Thursday, May 30th
12.00 Rocket Ride (qualification)
20.00 Rocket Ride (Superfinal)

Friday, May 31st
09.00 Iron Road Prologue (1st run)
16.30 Trial Xtreme Challenge (qualification)
19.00 Storm on Eisenerz (rider parade)

Saturday, June 1st
09.00 Iron Road Prologue (2nd run)
10.00 Trial Xtreme Challenge (qualification)
20.00 Trial Xtreme Challenge (Superfinal)

Sunday, June 2
10.30 Pre-start & rider parade
13.00 Start of the Erzbergrodeo
17.00 Award ceremony

Walkner is not riding the entire World Championship this year, but only three selected races - with the Erzbergrodeo as his primary goal for the season. The Bavarian world champion and rodeo title defender Manuel Lettenbichler is the top favorite going into the race. He won all six competitions at the Hardenduro World Championship last year.

Full program every day
The expected 40,000 fans will not only be offered a lot at the main event on Sunday: The Rocket Ride is already on the program on Thursday, in which a steep uphill must be conquered. 

In addition to the prologue races, the Xtreme Challenge for the most talented trial riders will also take place on Friday and Saturday. For visitors in a party mood, there will be parties in the large marquee on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. At the "Storm on Eisenerz" (Fri., 19:00), the participants bring their motorcycle enthusiasm from the mountain into the town.