Kick off with Stunt Riding Show and a Well Known Face on Top of the PodiumDay 1 - Prologue4th Red Bull Romaniacs Hard Enduro Rally, 17 - 21 June 2007
The world's first indoor street bike freestyle world champion, the German Chris Pfeiffer, opened the fourth edition of the Red Bull Romaniacs Hard Enduro Rallye in the city center of Sibiu with his breathtaking show. More than 9.500 spectators were ready for the kick off: tree trunks, car wrecks, wall rides, wooden ramps and stairs - the hard facts of the prologue and playground for the 135 participants.
Chris Pfeiffer provided the right atmosphere among the enthusiastic crowd by showing off his riding skills on a heavy BMW street bike and prepared the people for the start of the prologue. The riders from the hobby class were to open the race. First obstacles, first difficulties - some sections were simply unmanageable and the fifteen minutes harder than expected for some participants. Even the 64 experts began to sweat - and not only because of the afternoon's hot weather. Some duels were only decided by one of the riders taking the "chicken" and easier line. However, the audience had to wait for the pro riders to see all the obstacles "conquered". After twenty minutes of racing it was Cyril Despres (FRA), two times winner of the rallye, to have finished most laps, followed by Paul Bolton (GBR) and Dutchman Frans Verhoeven.
This afternoon the riders of all classes got a first chance to show their skills riding over tree trunks, car wrecks and truck tyres, wooden ramps and a wall ride, to introduce themselves to the audience and to warm up for the following days. Four tough, challenging days are awaiting the participants in all classes: Numerous single trails and technical tracks, daily stages between 150 and 200 km, river crossings and hill climbs. The European Capital of Culture 2007 will serve as the starting point as well as the daily stage finishing point.
Results Prologue, 17 June 2007
Professionals
1. Cyril Despres FRA
2. Paul Bolton GBR
3. Frans Verhoeven NED
Statements of the Day
4th Red Bull Romaniacs Hard Enduro Rally, 17 - 21 June 2007
Cyril Despres, FRA, winner of the prologue"The prologue was more like a short sprint; tomorrow will be another day and another race. My goal is the first place after the next four days and I really had a good day today!"
Paul Bolton, GBR, 2nd place"I am really stoked at the moment. The race was tough and extraordinary; especially the duel with Cyril Despres."
Frans Verhoeven, NED, 3rd place"I had a perfect start and finished third in this short, but hard race. It's my first time here in Romania and I would like to finish the rallye on a good overall position."
Michel Gau, FRA, 4th place"After only two laps my arms were totally cramped and the main part of the race was just horrible. I am happy I finished fourth!"
Gerhard Forster, GER, 5th place"The tree trunks are the most challenging obstacles for me on a course like this. I am more of an off road rider and looking forward to the upcoming days. I am satisfied with today's result though."
The results of today's prologue are the starting order for the first off road stage tomorrow.
For the complete results and pictures see www.redbullromaniacs.com