The Red Bull Romaniacs, held annually in Sibiu, Romania, is renowned as one of the toughest hard enduro competitions in the world. This year marked the 22nd edition of the event, and for riders like Burts Crayston, it proved to be an unforgiving yet exhilarating challenge. Riding his trusty KTM, Burts tackled four intense days of off-road riding, pushing him to the limit in extreme conditions.
The competition kicked off with the qualifying round, where Burts landed a respectable 9th place in the timed run. However, the prologue, held on a challenging urban course in front of huge crowds presented a few, unexpected challenges. A narrow course, wet tires and enormous obstacles led to a couple of crashes, ultimately leaving him in 23rd place. Despite the setbacks, Burts stayed positive and determined, knowing the real challenge was yet to come.
The first day of off-road racing fully tested Burt's endurance like never before. Riding for nearly nine hours, he pushed through extreme conditions, alternating between rain and intense heat. The live televised section at the start of the day featured three gruelling laps around some of the course’s most difficult terrain, including cliff edges and off-camber sections, completely zapping energy levels. Despite his best efforts, he timed out just after the service point and ended up in 22nd place for the day.
The third day brought more of the same challenges, with Burts once again riding for close to nine hours. The live loop, which had become increasingly eroded, was close to unrideable with some sections leading to over half the riders being pulled up the hillside due to the treacherous conditions. Burts was one of the few who completed all three laps, while many others received what he felt were insufficient time penalties for completing only two laps. Another day where energy levels were exhausted and affecting affecting performance for the rest of the day. Despite the setbacks, he still managed to climb the field as well as the hillside, finishing in 18th place.
Romaniacs was the toughest event I've ever competed in. The heat, long hours in the saddle and energy zapping course was exhausting, but overall I'm pleased with the result.Burts Crayston, Triple D Team Rider
The final off-road day offered some respite with no live loop, allowing Burts to conserve energy for the tougher sections of the course. With a determined push, he ended the day in 15th place and 5th in the Junior category. A strong finish was testament to his endurance and skill, although the penalties from Day 3 cost him two overall positions, leaving him 18th overall, but retaining his 5th place in the Junior category.
Reflecting on the Red Bull Romaniacs, Burts described it as the hardest and most gruelling event he had ever faced. The combination of long days and extreme heat with intense riding over pretty wild terrain tested him to the limit, but despite the challenges, he remains in contention for a podium finish in the overall Junior World Championship, currently sitting 4th with 43 points.
With the final round in Spain at the Hixpania Hard Enduro just around the corner, Burts will be focusing on a podium finish and end the season on a high note.
The road to Spain may be tough, but if the Red Bull Romaniacs proved anything, it's that Burts Crayston has the grit and determination to face whatever comes his way.
Burts Crayston is sponsored by Triple D Motosport, KTM, Drinkwaters Mushrooms, and Baydale Systems.