Those who rise to the challenge of the Red Bull Romaniacs – one of the hardest Enduro Rallies under the sun – taking place in the heart of Romania, has not only the chance to be on the trail of count Dracula, but also to be rewarded like a Count. From 17 to 21 June 2007 in the surroundings of the European Capital of Culture Sibiu there is fast buck for fast professionals – first of all Dakar Rally 2007 winner Cyril Despres.

Start Prologue Pro

For the 4th edition of the Red Bull Romaniacs the distribution of prize money has been revised: Pros will be rewarded for top results daily – who is in a good position cashes every day anew. 3,400 RPM/1,000 Euros are waiting for the daily top three in this class arriving at the finishing line. Prize money of a total of 50,000 RON/15,000 Euros is waiting for competitors in the hardest class. Besides the daily prize money 10,000 Euros will be paid to the top eight of the overall standings. Tempting for everybody - achievable for everyone? It won’t be a walk-over to spearhead on the day of the prologue and the following four days off-road, for recently the double winner of the Red Bull Romaniacs (in 2004 and in 2005) as well as current winner of the Dakar Rally Cyril Despres (FRA) has confirmed to compete in 2007!

After his capitulation due to injuries last year he is now taking up the challenge:” Normally I do finish my races. Unfortunately this wasn’t possible in 2006; therefore I’ll have to settle the score this time!” After his knee operation also Alex Antor (AND), third in 2006, is training for the Erzberg Rodeo (AUT) race as well as for the race across the Romanian Carpathians: “My position last year was quite unexpected, but now I know that I can keep up with the top racers and I will train hard to repeat the result. Now I know what it means to take part in the Red Bull Romaniacs. The race is hard, long and mad and I’m crazy about it! “

Alex Antor

Competitors from a total of 19 nations have signed up for the race up to now, nine countries will take part for the first time – like for example Chris Birch from New Zealand, whose motto is: ”Never quit, I’ll get there, wanna bet?” Being the four fold New Zealand Enduro Champion he has the stamina for the race. But also the Netherlands with Frans Verhoven dispose of a famous name – he was second in the Rookie class in the Dakar Rally 2005 and in 2007, placed 21st, dropped out three days before the end of the race. Chris Pfeiffer will perform his spectacular show at the prologue. On the opening day the current indoor street bike freestyle world champion will fire up the audience and heat up the asphalt with his phenomenal stunt show in the centre of Sibiu.

Giovanni Sala

Snowboard legend and Dakar Rally finisher Martin Freinademetz and his organisation crew offer incentive prizes for the Expert class and the Hobby class: Enduro and adventure holidays in Romania offered by the most experienced off-road providers of the country: www.xventure.net and www.enduromania.com; surprise prizes for the Quad/ATV class.

On 17 June in the European Capital of Culture 2007 – Sibiu – the fourth hard Enduro Rally through the Romanian Carpathians will start. On the prologue through the city center the competitors will ride over technically challenging and tricky obstacles and have thus the opportunity to introduce themselves to thousands of spectators and to warm up themselves for the following days. After firing up the audience the first day will start through the surrounding mountains, which offer one of the best off-road regions in the world. Four straining, challenging days are waiting for the participants in all classes: Numerous single trails and technical tracks, daily stages between 150 and 200 km, river crossings and hill climbs – by the final day on 21 June the number of participants will undoubtedly have decreased. The European Capital of Culture 2007 will serve as the starting point as well as the daily stage finishing point.

The race on the Internet

The race can also be watched on the Internet in real time, the professionals will carry a minitracker device that sends signals onto the www.redbullromanicas.com event website.

Categories

As different riders have different riding limits Red Bull Romaniacs offers five categories:
•           Professional class – only for internationally experienced off-road riders
•           Expert class (2 riders): for well trained Enduro riders with national competition experience
•           Hobby class (2-3 riders): the track is easier and shorter than the Expert track, hard Enduro experience and endurance are necessary
•           Quad/ATV class (2 riders): for those who want to explore the Romanian wilderness on four wheels and don’t want to do without forest roads.
•           Tourist class: to join the Romaniacs adventure – without ranking and time pressure, however with endurance. New on the programme.

Registration for all categories until 1 June 2007 on www.redbullromaniacs.com.