A strong start at the world’s toughest enduro race: A. Gančierius sets the fastest time on day one

The legendary Erzberg Rodeo started in Austria, an event often referred to as the toughest hard enduro competition in the world. This year, more than 1,500 competitors from around the globe gathered at the famous iron ore quarry, including CFMOTO Thunder Racing Team riders Antanas Kanopkinas and Adomas Gančierius.

On the opening day, competitors faced a 13-kilometer prologue featuring steep quarry slopes, rocky climbs, and fast yet dangerous sections. Among the quad riders, A. Gančierius delivered the fastest performance of the day, while A. Kanopkinas finished fifth.

Now being held for the 30th time, Erzberg Rodeo is renowned not only for its extremely demanding course built inside the quarry, but also for its exceptionally high attrition rate. The real chaos begins during the main race, when competitors are released onto the course in groups of fifty every two minutes. In contrast, the prologue—which determines the starting order—features riders starting individually every 20 seconds.

“Erzberg Rodeo is called the toughest enduro race for a reason—it really is. Today was only 13 kilometers long, but by the end I was already counting how much was left. The course was extremely rocky and beaten up. I had to adapt and figure out the best way to brake for the corners, and that paid off. Halfway through the course I caught and passed Antanas, and overall I’m leading the class. I’m happy with the result and very curious to see what tomorrow brings,” said A. Gančierius after crossing the finish line of the prologue.

A. Kanopkinas, who arrived in Austria directly from the World Rally-Raid Championship round in Argentina, also spoke about how challenging the course was.

“The prologue was very difficult, with a lot of sharp and tricky sections. Not every rider had a good day. Altough, Adomas did a great job, while I ended up fifth. In a few places I was held up, and that threw me off my rhythm. But the biggest issue was that I either lacked steering response entering the corners, or I simply couldn’t find it. Other than that, everything went reasonably well,” he said.

One of this year’s major novelties is the return of the quad category to Erzberg after a lengthy absence. Organizers note that a dedicated quad classification had been part of the event until 2017. Now, as Erzberg Rodeo celebrates its 30th anniversary, the category has returned, attracting a strong field of some of Europe’s and the world’s top quad riders.

After nearly 3,000 kilometers in Argentina at the World Rally-Raid Championship round, this represents a completely different challenge for the CFMOTO Thunder Racing Team riders. Here, navigation and the ability to cover hundreds of kilometers are no longer the key factors. Instead, success depends far more on technical riding skills, quick reactions, physical fitness, and the ability to overcome extremely demanding obst