Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler has claimed a record-equalling fifth consecutive victory at the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, delivering another dominant performance aboard his KTM 300 EXC. Joined on the podium by FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Trystan Hart in second, the result secured a KTM 1-2 finish at the iconic event and further cemented Lettenbichler’s place among the race’s all-time greats.
Starting from pole position in the Red Bull Hare Scramble following his fourth-place finish in the qualifying Iron Road Prologue, Lettenbichler made a strong start to the main race and immediately settled into the battle at the front. Running second through the early checkpoints, and with only seconds separating the leaders, Mani moved into to the lead by checkpoint four and quickly began building an advantage.
Once out front the German steadily increased his pace and control over the race. By checkpoint 13, he had opened a lead of 40 seconds, before stretching that margin to five minutes by checkpoint 18. Continuing to master the demanding Austrian terrain, Lettenbichler expertly negotiated the event’s most famous obstacles, including Carl’s Dinner, Dynamite, and Lazy Noon.
At the iconic Carl’s Dinner, he held a commanding 12-minute advantage and continued to pull away through the closing stages. Crossing the finish line almost nine minutes ahead of his nearest rival, Mani secured his fifth consecutive Erzbergrodeo victory, equalling both the all-time win record and the record for consecutive victories at the legendary event.
Manuel Lettenbichler: “Five wins at Erzberg, I have no words! It’s been an unbelievable race and I couldn’t be happier. I had an alright start, but quickly got in the mix with Mitch [Brightmore] and Trystan [Hart] and they were really pushing me hard. After that I felt so good on the bike and just enjoyed every section so much. It feels incredible to make it five in a row and equal the record. I am speechless!”
Hart also delivered an outstanding ride throughout Sunday’s main race. The Canadian ran third through the opening checkpoints before moving into second place by checkpoint 11 after a determined charge through the field. Although he briefly lost ground during the middle stages and dropped back to third, Hart responded strongly and reclaimed second position after an intense battle with Mitch Brightmore (GASGAS). Maintaining a strong pace through the final checkpoints, Trystan built a comfortable advantage over third place and ultimately secured second overall, completing an impressive KTM 1-2 finish at the 2026 Erzbergrodeo.
Trystan Hart: “I’m happy to come away with second place at Erzberg. It was a really tough race and I had to manage a few issues throughout, so it definitely wasn’t straightforward. I felt like I rode well in sections, but there were also areas where I know I can improve. That’s part of racing at an event as demanding as this. We’ll take the positives, keep working, and come back stronger next year.”
Adding further success, KTM riders dominated the qualifying Iron Road Prologue. EnduroGP star Andrea Verona delivered a stunning performance to set the fastest time overall, finishing 10 seconds clear of the field. Current FIM World Rally-Raid Championship leader Daniel Sanders backed him up in second, with Carson Brown placing third and Lettenbichler fourth to complete a KTM lockout of the top four positions. Edgar Canet also impressed with eighth place, while Hart secured 14th to comfortably qualify for Sunday’s Hare Scramble.
Provisional Results – 2026 Red Bull Erzbergrodeo
- Manuel Lettenbichler (GER), KTM, 3:05:39.953
- Trystan Hart (CAN), KTM, 3:14:10.574
- Mario Roman (ESP), Husqvarna, 3:18:10.926
- Teodor Kabakchiev (BUL), Sherco, 3:22:01.999
- Mitch Brightmore (GBR), GASGAS, 3:24:56.786
Photographer – Future7Media
