Erzberg Rodeo: Lettenbichler victorious, Hirscher in the top 100

The German KTM rider prevailed on Sunday in the Hare Scramble in Styria in 2:31:15 hours, about ten minutes ahead of Brit Billy Bolt (Husqvarna). Austria’s hottest iron, Michael Walkner, ended up in seventh place. Only 17 pilots out of the 500 who had qualified for the main race made it to the finish at the 27th edition of the off-road spectacle.

Walkner, who drives for GasGas, finished sixth in Lettenbichler’s first prank last year and was aiming for the top three this time. At the front, however, Lettenbichler and Bolt fought an exciting duel with several lead changes. At the end of the 35 km through boulder gardens and forest climbing, the 25-year-old Lettenbichler was ahead again. “I managed my race quite well and am very happy about my second rock cup.”

The five-time Erzbergrodeo winner Graham Jarvis, meanwhile, catapulted himself into sixth place after a botched prologue (60th) with an unleashed catch-up race. He landed directly in front of Walkner, who also made up positions after a weak start.

Hirscher: “Surprised by myself”

Professionals and amateurs mingle on the site where ore mining has been suspended for a few days. Former ski star Marcel Hirscher and former combined athlete Lukas Klapfer were also on the starting list. After 53rd place in the prologue, Hirscher was allowed to start the race from the second row of the grid and with checkpoint 19 of 27 he was two further than last year, which means a place in the top 100. He is living part of his childhood dream, says Hirscher. “It’s really crazy to race here. I’m very happy and surprised by myself.”