Adventure Bikes Shake Up Red Bull Romaniacs 2025!
Triumph, Yamaha & Co. Conquer the Toughest Hard Enduro Event
In the coming days, Sibiu, Romania, will once again become the stage for one of the biggest Enduro celebrations, as hundreds of participants struggle through the punishing Carpathian trails. In the 22nd edition of the Red Bull Romaniacs, it's not just the single-cylinder roar echoing through the mountains—Adventure bike classes are kicking up dirt for the first time.
The 22nd edition of the Red Bull Romaniacs, dubbed the "Game Changer," not only introduces new tracks and brings back renowned pros but also features a new league of big Adventure Bikes that are increasingly taking center stage at the legendary hard enduro event.
From Enduro Insider Tip to Big Brands' Stage
The lineup is more diverse than ever before. Besides hard enduro icons like Billy Bolt, Graham Jarvis, and Mario Roman, 2025 features an especially large number of well-known names on Adventure Bikes. Triumph, Yamaha, KTM, BMW, Ducati, Husqvarna, Aprilia, CFMOTO, and Kove are all sending their machines into the Carpathian terraina scene that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.
Dakar Heroes and Enduro World Champions on Big Bikes
Two-time Dakar winner Sam Sunderland is drawing special attention as he pauses his racing retirement to compete in the Adventure Lite class on a Triumph Tiger 900. Joining him is Jonny Walker, a two-time Romaniacs winner, who will be riding the Tiger 900 Rally Pro in the new Adventure Ultimate class.
Johnny Aubert (KTM 890 Adventure Rally), Gerhard Forster (BMW), Pol Tarres (Ténéré 700), and Kevin Gallas (Ténéré 700) are other prominent names competing on large-capacity twin-cylinders. Aubert, a two-time Enduro World Champion, brings a wealth of racing experience, while Pol Tarres has been making waves for years with his physics-defying stunts on his Tenere. His Yamaha colleague, Kevin Gallas, isn't competing in one of the Adventure classes but is aiming to defend his 2024 victory in the Bronze class.
New Impulses for Motorcycle Development
The presence of so many brands in the Adventure classes at the Romaniacs highlights a clear trend: Adventure Bikes are increasingly being optimized for off-road capabilitiesnot just as travel companions, but as serious sports equipment in the off-road sector. Brands like Ducati, CFMOTO, and Kove are strategically using the platform to reach new audiences and gather feedback under the toughest conditions.
Cardo Connects Riders on the Track
As part of this year's Red Bull Romaniacs, Cardo Systems joined as the official communication partner. The Israeli company, specializing in Bluetooth and Mesh communication systems, supports the organizers of this mega event. Over 80 communication systems are deployedspread across the checkpoints of individual stages and accompanying race marshals. A special highlight for fans: Jonny Walker will ride a portion of the track and provide live commentary through his Cardo systemallowing viewers to experience the terrain from a rider's perspective. The Romaniacs use the Cardo PACKTALK EDGE with Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC).
The Red Bull Romaniacs Gold Class Remains THE Classic in 2025
Alongside the Adventure focus, the pro race in the Gold Class remains the heart of the Romaniacs. Veteran Graham Jarvis is eager to prove himself once more against a new generation: Billy Bolt, Alfredo Gomez, Teo Kabakchiev, Michael Walkner, and Mitch Brightmore are names that bring serious competition. They all have victory in their sightsbut in the end, it only matters who can truly deliver in the Carpathians.
Today marks the prologue of the Red Bull Romaniacs, setting the starting order for tomorrow's first race day. This will be followed by three more days of racing packed with tough trails and heroic feats on two wheels.
Photo credit: Dragos Dumitru, Mihail Nistor.
Author
GREGOR