Preview: Brits ready to lead Romaniacs invasion
By TMX Archives on 6th Jul 16
With just over one month passed since Erzbergs Red Bull Hare Scramble, its battle stations once more as Hard Enduro sinks its teeth into the worlds toughest Hard Enduro Rally in Sibiu Romania.
Now entering it's 13th edition, the event continues to grow from strength to strength with almost 500 riders from 45 different countries entered.
Great Britain top the list with 103 competitors signed up for the Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron class making Team GB once again the most represented nation in the race.
And with guys like Graham Jarvis, Jonny Walker, Paul Bolton and Billy Bolt spearheading the Gold class, Britain are also the most favoured for top honours.
With his Red Bull Hare Scramble victory firmly tucked away in his pocket, Husqvarna's Jarvis should start as favourite. One of the most experienced riders with four victories, Jarvis is chasing down a record-smashing fifth win in Sibiu.
But it's been two years since Grimbo last won in Romania and KTM's Jonny Walker is the rider who's stopped him mounting the top step of the podium both times.
Making his eagerly awaited return to competitive action since breaking his leg during the SuperEnduro series, Walker is back racing for Romaniacs.
The defending champion will want nothing more to return with a win.
Alfredo Gomez (KTM) is one such rider capable of keeping both Jarvis and Walker off the top step of the podium in Romania. Winner of the Red Bull Minas Riders and then third overall at Erzberg, Gomez is also twice a podium finisher of Romaniacs.
Never one to count out, KTM's Paul Bolton joins Jarvis as one of the most experienced Romaniacs competitors.
A past podium finisher, stage winner and multiple prologue winner, Bolton has what it takes to challenge for a top three result.
As one of the standout performers at Erzberg, Billy Bolt (KTM) looks to continue his impressive run of form in his rookie Hard Enduro season.
If he can handle the succession of long days and gruelling terrain, Bolt has the ability to place top five in his first time of asking.
Sherco's Wade Young is hungry to become the spoiler in the KTM and Husqvarna party. The 2016 Hell's Gate winner always excels in long distance racing like Romaniacs and one not to be underestimated.
Similarly, Mario Roman (Husqvarna) could bag a surprise result too.
Gas Gas' Jonathan Richardson made his Romaniacs debut in 2015 but it was short-lived due to injury. Seeking redemption, he's keen to learn from his mistakes and see this year's race through. Absent in 2015, Hemingway brothers Ben and Dan return to Romania for another crack at the race too.
In the Silver class, Britain are heavily represented. And with guys like Andy Noakley, Joe Chambers, Neil Flockhart and Jonathan Pearson in the mix, chances of a podium result are high.
The Red Bull Romaniacs takes place in Sibiu from July 12-16 with the infamous city prologue kicking things off.
