Enduro
Graham Jarvis wins Red Bull Romaniacs 2017
Graham Jarvis claims a record-breaking sixth Red Bull Romaniacs title as Mario Román and Paul Bolton join him on the podium.
Graham Jarvis has become the most successful rider in the history of the event by winning the 14th edition of Red Bull Romaniacs – the world’s toughest hard enduro rally for an unprecedented sixth time.
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Graham Jarvis wins Red Bull Romaniacs 2017
Graham Jarvis claims a record-breaking sixth Red Bull Romaniacs title as Mario Román and Paul Bolton join him on the podium.
At 42 years old, the British rider delivered a near-flawless week of riding in Romania to defend his title and underline his status as the greatest hard enduro rider of all time.
Sixth Romaniacs for Jarvis
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This was no easy victory as younger claimants to Jarvis's crown fell by the way, including Red Bull Hare Scramble winner Alfredo Gómez, Wade Young and Jonny Walker – favourites to take Jarvis’s crown – dropped out of the running order.
Jarvis stamped his authority on the event by taking his Husqvarna to victory in the first three days of offroad racing and setting himself up for the overall win. Easing off his pace on the final day, he stormed up the final hill climb before cruising into the finishing arena to lock down the 2017 title.
Six times a winner, it’s unbelievable. I never imagined when I started over 10 years ago I’d win six
“Everyone was on top form all week and I’ve had to up my game a lot just to take the title," said an elated and exhausted Jarvis. “It’s been a battle for survival over the last four days, so I’m just glad to get to the finish. The win is a bonus.”
With Jarvis topping the podium, Mario Román claimed second. In only his second attempt at the race and with a new team, the Spaniard was happy but philosophical at the finish.
Mario Román, second overall
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“I knew winning was out of the question so I took no risk. I’m so happy with second,” said Román. “Thanks to everyone at Sherco for making this result possible. This has been a really tough race and you never know if you will have any problems with the bike or yourself.”
I am slightly disappointed because I lost 20 minutes on the first day on one hill. If it wasn’t for that I would be fighting for the overall with Graham today.
Privateer Paul Bolton completed the podium – for the first time – in third. The 2017 edition was Bolton’s 10th Romaniacs and he was overjoyed with the result.
Red Bull Romaniacs 2017: The finish line
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“Ten years waiting – it’s taken a long time, it doesn’t feel real, but I’ve finally got there,” told Bolton. “It’s taken a lot of hard work, but I’m so happy to get my first podium.
“You have no idea what this means to me. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of a lot of people, so thank you.”
Like father like son
With a career-first stage win secured on the final day for fourth overall, Manuel Lettenbichler also created his own little bit of history by becoming part of the only father and son to have won a stage of Romaniacs – his father, Andreas, is a former winner of the race.
Lettenbichler got his first stage win
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“I am really stoked about today,” said the younger Lettenbichler. “I had to push really hard because I knew I was battling with Paul. I’m disappointed not to have finished on the podium, but overall I’m happy.
“I made a few mistakes and got lost a few times on the first day, that cost me a lot of time. I still feel really good with no injuries and I think that was the most important thing this year – to stay out of trouble.”
With Lettenbichler coming home first on day four and Bolton second, third place went to veteran David Knight. The Isle of Man native had retired on day two and sat out day three due to injury. Returning for the final day, Knight really enjoyed himself.
That was one of the best days I have ever had on a bike
The Hard Enduro World Series moves on to Red Bull 111 Megawatt in Poland on September 9/10.
Red Bull Romaniacs 2017 – Overall top 5
- Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna)
- Mario Román (Sherco)
- Paul Bolton (KTM)
- Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM)
- Travis Teasdale (KTM)