The list of international top riders and potential candidates for the podium of the 20th Erzbergrodeo edition from 29th of May till 1st of June, is long and impressive. All the more, the last minute entry of three more top drivers representing three different continents, was a thrilling surprise for race promoter Karl Katoch.
David Knight (UK, Sherco) is definitely to be considered a top contender for the Red Bull Hare Scramble 2014. The three times Enduro World Champion dominated the infamous Erzbergrodeo highlight race already two times (2005/2006) and successfully mastered the American GNCC and Endurocross Championships in the following years. Following his WEC comeback in 2010, the “Knighter“ announced at the beginning of the year that he will concentrate his efforts on Xtreme Enduro Sports in 2014. Just a few weeks ago, the 36-years old Brit was able to conquer his 6th win at the The Tough One Xtreme Enduro at Hawkstone Park, UK. To say David is highly motivated to race at the Iron Giant is probably an understatement.
Hardenduro-Insiders will be absolutely delighted to hear that Cory Graffunder (CAN, Husqvarna) will compete at the Erzbergrodeo 2014. The likeable 26-years old Canadian finished the Red Bull Hare Scramble at his first visit in 2008, then delivered two more Top-10 results in 2009 and 2010. During the last years Cory Graffunder established himself in the US Endurocross Series. Several podiums next to Taddy Blazusiak, Cody Webb and Mike Brown speak for itself and rank Cory among the top 5 riders of the extremely successful Championship.
Altus de Wet (RSA, Husqvarna) is no stranger to Erzberg as well. The reigning South African Open Class Enduro Champion takes up the fight against the Iron Giant for the fourth time in his successful offroad motorcycle racing career. Though the 29-years old was not able to finish the Red Bull Hare Scramble yet, de Wet could be a real surprise package this year as his results have gone steeply upwards during the past two seasons.
Trials legend Dougie Lampkin (UK) rides for KTM in 2014!
The news travelled fast and caused a lot of attention inside the offroad community: 12-times Trials World Champion and 3-times Red Bull Hare Scramble podium finisher Dougie Lampkin changes his colors to orange and will compete in the Xtreme Enduro Season 2014 on board of a Hope KTM 300 EXC two-stroke bike under the flags of Mark Jackson’s Eurotek KTM Team. Lampkin is considered as one of the most successful Trials athletes of all time. After switching to Xtreme Enduro Sports in 2010, “The Man” was able to seamlessly continue his successful career with podiums and Top-10 results. The Red Bull Athlete started his 2014 season with an 8th place at The Tough One and optimistically comments his change to KTM:
“Altough I didn’t spent a lot of time on the new bike before Tough One, I’m extremely satisfied with its performance. After the Scottish Six Days Trial I’m looking forward to intensify my training for the Erzbergrodeo and I hope for another podium at the Iron Giant!” Lampkin finished 6th at the Red Bull Hare Scramble 2013.
Red Bull Hare Scramble 2014: more checkpoints and Live-Timing!
The Red Bull Hare Scramble is not only the grand finale but also the highlight of the Erzbergrodeo. Only the 500 fastest riders of the Generali Iron Road Prologue qualify to compete on the event’s last day – and challenge the ruthless and brutal Iron Giant. Even experienced factory riders fail to master the challenges of the more than 30km long and extremely tough racetrack, which separates the men from the boys right from the start.
“The high level of competition is responsible for the rising level of difficulty. With such a high class starter field, there is a lot of pressure on the favorites. If you’re up front make even the smallest mistake, there will be immediately another top rider on hand to take advantage of your situation. Furthermore, the difficulty of the track is constantly increasing from the start to the finish line.”, Erzbergrodeo Mastermind Karl Katoch describes the unique characteristics of the Red Bull Hare Scramble.
For the anniversary edition of Red Bull Hare Scramble, the number of checkpoints that have to be passed will be increased from 20 to 24. Track manager Hans Werth explains: “The track length will stay pretty much the same as last year, but the increased number of checkpoints in combination with our new Live-Timing will offer even more excitement for the viewers of the Live-TV broadcast hosted by ServusTV. Fans will be able to see how close the riders are fighting for each positions as well as follow riders catching up to the leading group even better.”
The Red Bull Hare Scramble 2014 LIVE-broadcast on ServusTV : Sunday, June 1st from 11:00 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Red Bull Hare Scramble 2014 LIVE-stream: www.redbull.com/erzbergrodeo