Excitement builds at round five of the World Enduro Super Series as Red Bull Romaniacs approaches race day in Sibiu, Romania.
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB): “For me Red Bull Romaniacs is all about the mountains. I enjoy the prologue, but I’m a bit too steady – it must be my age! I’m aiming for a strong Off Road Day 1 and then see where things are at. It’s a long week and the competition is tougher than ever, but I didn’t come here to finish second.”
Wade Young (Sherco – RSA): “It’s nice to be back here in Romania and carry the #1 plate into this race. I’m excited to get going. We’ve worked a lot behind the scenes to be ready. I’ve got a new frame and switched to KYB suspension. Overall, I feel good and I’m happy on the new setup. I feel well prepared despite a slight shoulder injury. The goal is just to stay humble and level headed this week – take each day as it comes and be strong when it counts.”
Sandra Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP): “I know this is going to be a big challenge, it certainly won’t be an easy time, but I’m up for it. I’ve been working hard all year and feel confident to see what I can do. Finishing 34th at Hixpania Hard Enduro was a good confidence boost for me. I’ve only ridden this race once before, but I’ve had good advice from by brother Alfredo and have a strategy!”
Jonny Walker: “I’m feeling good coming into this year’s Romaniacs, I’m lucky in that so far this year I haven’t had any major problems with my fitness, it’s just the strength in my arm that’s lacking a little. I have been spending a lot of hours on the bike on the run up to the event and I’m confident that my pace and skill is definitely good enough for the podium. I’ve won before and finished second last year so I know what to expect and what to do to succeed. It’s definitely going to be a challenge as always but I’m hoping the extreme sections this year will fit in nicely with the faster flowing tracks and we can get a really good race out of it. Obviously, nobody can control the weather and if conditions are bad it could make for a very tough race.”
Taddy Blazusiak: “I’ve been looking forward to Romaniacs, partly due to what happened last year. I’m feeling good and more comfortable on the bike now and I think I have a really good package for the race. Everyone knows the event will be tough and the organisers always try to throw in a few surprises along the way. I know my pace is good, so if everything goes well, I’ll definitely be aiming for a position on the podium.”
Josep Garcia: “Last year’s Romaniacs was the hardest race for me, but I got through it and I plan to do the same this year. It looks like the weather might play a part again but I think I am better prepared and have been working a lot on my training. My plan is to get to the finish and earn good WESS points before the next two rounds at Hawkstone and Solsona, where I think I have a good chance of taking the win.”
Nathan Watson: “I’m coming it to Romaniacs determined to do well and get to the finish. It’s safe to say it falls slightly outside of my comfort zone but with a year’s experience I know what to expect now and I know exactly how tough and challenging it is in every way. I think my extreme skills have improved since last year so I’m hoping to improve my result.”
Long regarded as the world’s toughest Hard Enduro Rallye, round five of WESS marks the 16th edition of Red Bull Romaniacs. Now a staple on every Enduro enthusiast’s calendar, the Romanian classic sees competitors from all across the world gather in Romania for five unforgettable days of racing.
On the eve of race day, riders from the 50 competing nations enjoyed a City Ride parade through the narrow, cobbled streets, supported by hordes of spectators who enthusiastically cheered them on.
Offering a teaser to Tuesday’s action, the Gold class riders assembled on the prologue course to sample what’s on offer for 2019.
For most it was an opportunity to test both body and machines ahead of the start of the racing, while others used it as a chance to size up their racing lines.
With practice complete, some of the stars in this year’s race addressed onlookers before taking time to speak and chat with the local and international media in attendance.
Racing begins in earnest at round five of WESS on Tuesday, July 30 with the Prologue being broadcast live on Red Bull TV.