KTM’s Mani Lettenbichler claims ’26 Erzberg and only 15 finished within 4-hour cutoff
In the world of off-road racing, few events command as much respect as the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo. Widely regarded as one of the toughest hard enduro races on the planet, the Austrian race once again lived up to its brutal reputation in 2026. KTM factory rider Manuel Lettenbichler emerged victorious for the fifth consecutive year, crossing the finish line in 3:05:39 and beating fellow KTM rider Trystan Hart of Canada by almost nine minutes.
What makes the achievement even more impressive is the level of attrition. More than 1,100 riders from 41 countries entered this year’s Erzbergrodeo, and from the top 500 who qualified, just 15 managed to conquer the Iron Giant and reach the finish before the unforgiving four-hour cutoff.
“Five wins at Erzberg, I have no words! It’s been an unbelievable race and I couldn’t be happier,” said Lettenbichler. “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!”
By the time the riders reached the iconic Carl’s Dinner section, Lettenbichler had already built a commanding 12-minute lead. He continued to stretch that advantage all the way to the finish, matching both the all-time Erzbergrodeo win record and the record for consecutive victories.
The numbers tell the story. Out of more than 1,100 riders from 41 countries who entered this year's Erzbergrodeo, only 15 beat the four-hour cutoff. Those who conquered the Iron Giant were Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM, 3:05:39), Trystan Hart (KTM, 3:14:10), Mario Roman (Husqvarna, 3:18:10), Teodor Kabakchiev (Sherco, 3:22:01), Mitch Brightmore (GASGAS, 3:24:56), James Moore (Beta, 3:32:34), Michael Walkner (3:33:52), Ashton Brightmore (3:36:00), Eddie Karlsson (Stark Future, 3:42:48), Graham Jarvis (Jarvis Electric, 3:45:56), Lorenzo Gandola (Sherco, 3:46:15), Toby Martyn (Stark Future, 3:47:30), Cody Webb (Yamaha, 3:49:28), Dieter Rudolf (3:51:21), and Ryder LeBlond (Husqvarna, 3:59:15).
Perhaps the most impressive finisher outside the podium was 51-year-old hard enduro legend Graham Jarvis, who not only beat the four-hour limit but did so aboard an electric motorcycle, the JARV-E, with 14 minutes to spare before the cutoff.
