Amazing debut run and an old favourite bows out in style ahead of the 20th Red Bull Hare Scramble.
The Iron Road Prologue is complete: 1800 riders have blasted their way up Erzberg’s Iron Giant – twice – and all 500 places available for Sunday’s Red Bull Hare Scramble are taken. Judgement day is almost here.
Austrialeads the way
Topping the time sheets at the end of two days of fast, furious and non-stop action is an Austrian. Ossi Reisinger blitzed his way up the mountain to finish an impressive seven seconds quicker than anyone else. And with compatriot Matthias Walkner third, the home crowd had plenty to celebrate.
Taylor made for the Erzbergrodeo
It might be his first time at the Erzbergrodeo but Taylor Robert hasn’t wasted anytime in settling in. Putting in a committed run on day one of qualification, Robert grabbed the third fastest time. On Saturday, he was the only one of the top riders to actually improve his time, edging into second fastest overall.
Juha Salminen bows out in style
The legendary Juha Salminen – in town to help with the Erzbergrodeo 20th edition celebrations – was fourth fastest. Unfortunately Salminen – winner of the Red Bull Hare Scramble in 2001 – won’t take to the start line tomorrow.
Jonny Walker has the edge
Of the big hitters for Sunday’s main event, it’s Jonny Walker who’s currently got the mental edge on rivals Graham Jarvis, David Knight, Andreas Lettenbichler and company. Sixth fastest, Walker placed three seconds quicker than Knight and ensured his front row start.
Focused more on the Red Bull Hare Scramble and less on the Iron Prologue, Knight delivered a ‘steady ride’ for eighth and is quietly content to let his riding do the talking on race day.
Flawless run from Jarvis
After missing out on a front-row start in 2013, defending champion Graham Jarvis made no mistake. Placing 32nd – two spots behind Husqvana teammate Alfredo Gomez – Jarvis is on the front row and right where he needs to be against what is the strongest field of riders ever assembled on the Iron Giant.
Additional pre-race favourites are Andreas Lettenbichler in 10th, Cody Webb 36th, Ben Hemingway 38th with Japan’s Taichi Tanaka 40th and Dougie Lampkin 43rd.
With the big names all qualified inside the top 50, the stage is set for all out war in the 20th edition of the Red Bull Hare Scramble.
he 500 fastest riders qualify for the Red Bull Hare Scramble. The rest only qualify to watch the Red Bull Hare Scramble.
Friday morning is the best opportunity to set a fast time on the quaifying prologue course, before the track breaks up, although riders do get a second bite at the cherry on Saturday.
The undoubted highlight of Friday afternoon at Erzberg though is the now traditional Raid on Eisenerz when the amateur riders parade through the small mining town in fancy dress.