Spectacular steep-slope action to kick off the 2026 Red Bull Erzbergrodeo: Sebastien Tortelli (FRA, Stark Future) takes the win in the REMUS Rocket Ride uphill race!
On the first day of the event, thousands of enthusiastic fans enjoyed top-class offroad motorcycle racing on the “Iron Mountain.” The challenging steep-slope course of the REMUS Rocket Ride delivered thrilling action from the qualifying rounds all the way through to the spectacular Superfinals!
A star-studded lineup at the 30th anniversary edition of the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo: Karl Katoch introduces the international offroad motorcycle elite at the opening press conference
As the first highlight, Red Bull Erzbergrodeo mastermind Karl Katoch introduced the top riders of this globally unique extreme enduro event to the international press in attendance during the opening press conference. Leading the way were Red Bull KTM Factory Racing factory riders Manuel Lettenbichler (GER), Andrea Verona (ITA), and Danny Sanders (AUS), as well as brand colleague Trystan Hart (CAN) from the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team, who answered questions from press spokesperson Martin Kettner. Other top riders included Sherco factory rider Teodor Kabakchiev (BG), three-time Red Bull Erzbergrodeo winner Jonny Walker (UK, Triumph), two-time Red Bull Erzbergrodeo winner Alfredo Gomez (ESP, Beta), three-time podium finisher Mario Roman (ESP), America’s Extreme Enduro star Cody Webb (USA, Yamaha), rising star Mitch Brightmore (UK, GASGAS), Francesc Moret (ESP, Rieju), six-time finisher Dieter Rudolf (AUT, GASGAS), South African four-time finisher Matthew Green (RSA, KTM), and Graham Jarvis (UK, Jarv-E)—the most successful participant in the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo to date with five victories— Graham Jarvis (UK, Jarv-E) rounded out the star-studded lineup that will compete for the most prestigious trophy in the extreme enduro scene this coming Sunday at the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo Highlight. Also in attendance were Eddie Karlsson (SWE, Stark Future) and two-time Motocross World Champion Sebastien Tortelli (FRA, Stark Future), who will take on the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo challenge on Stark Future’s highly anticipated electric motorcycles. Representing the twin-cylinder class of the Iron Road Prologue was three-time Red Bull Erzbergrodeo finisher Pol Tarres (ESP, Yamaha). The exceptional athlete will once again compete in Sunday’s main race on his Yamaha Tenere 700 Big-Enduro…
However, one superstar was missing from the ranks of the top riders: Billy Bolt (UK) of the Husqvarna Factory Racing Team will unfortunately have to sit out the 2026 Red Bull Erzbergrodeo due to injury. Last year’s runner-up will still be on site starting Saturday to cheer on his teammates.
REMUS Rocket Ride: Stark Future sweeps the Podium in the spectacular opener of Red Bull Erzbergrodeo – Sebastien Tortelli (FRA, Stark VARG) claims his first ever Rock Cup on the gnarly uphill racetrack!
275 participants lined up today for the first day of the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, taking part in the REMUS Rocket Ride steep-slope race at the foot of the Erzberg. The challenging course, consisting of four steep slopes, delivered the usual spectacular full-throttle action for the thousands of spectators, who had already created an electric atmosphere during qualifying starting at noon. With the active support of Red Bull Erzbergrodeo track construction partner Wacker Neuson, the extremely selective course—including the right-hand bend—was perfectly executed. Following the spectacular qualifying session, the 48 fastest riders advanced to the Super Final in the evening, led by Ossi Reisinger, the most successful REMUS Rocket Ride participant to date. Facing strong competition from 13 nations and 4 continents, the 10 riders on the electric-powered Stark VARG models delivered a more than dominant performance. In the final race, two-time Motocross World Champion Sebastien Tortelli (FRA) ultimately prevailed over his brand teammates Marc Sans (ESP) and David Herbreteau (FRA). Ossi Reisinger (AUT) crashed right at the finish line but still managed to finish fourth.
The atmosphere along the race track was also unbeatable. Thousands of fans cheered the riders on loudly through every race and were then treated to a special highlight: the Schmidt Racing Team put on a spectacular show run up the Rocket Ride steep slope in their V8 all-wheel-drive buggy. The performance by the two Burgenland Trails mountain bikers, Hannah Magdalena Höfinger (13) and David Hackl (14), was also impressive; they rode the entire REMUS Rocket Ride race course from top to bottom to bring the starting flag to the starting line.
Final results REMUS ROCKET RIDE 2026
1. Sebastien Tortelli (FRA, Stark VARG)
2. Marc Sans (ESP, Stark VARG)
3. David Herbreteau (FRA, Stark VARG)
4. Ossi Reisinger (AUT, Stark VARG)
5. Kevin Gallas (DE, Yamaha)
6. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM)
Source / Pictures: Red Bull Content Pool, Red Bull Erzbergrodeo
