- Xross Team®
After the thrilling Akrapovic Prologue, riders were ready to tackle the 100-kilometer challenge on the first Off-Road day. And what a day it was—packed with fierce battles and heart-pounding action. The scorching heat took its toll on the competitors, but the dry track allowed blistering speeds. South African rider Wade Young emerged as the star of the day, blazing through the course to finish as the fastest rider. Hot on his heels were Michael Walkner and Teodor Kabakchiev.
Photo: Predrag Vuckovic / Extreme Photographer
The adrenaline-fueled action of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship’s third round kicked off early Thursday with the first of three grueling Offroad Days at the Xross Hard Enduro Rally in Serbia. Following Wednesday's thrilling Akrapovic Prologue qualification, riders faced a daunting 100-kilometer test through the wild beauty of Tara mountain.
June is a pretty dry month, so the land is dry, and the riders were significantly faster on the tracks because nothing was slippery, and they had a pretty nice grip. The water level in rivers and streams was significantly lower, and the tough rocky canyon was overgrown with bushes. These conditions transformed familiar tracks into new challenges, both visually and under the bikes' wheels.
The track was lengthy and demanding, but the oppressive heat was the true adversary. Every rider showed signs of exhaustion, seizing any opportunity to rest in the shade.
Photo: Predrag Vuckovic / Extreme Photographer
Even though he started fifth, Wade Young showcased his determination and skill. With consistently fast sector times, the South African rider methodically closed the gap on his competitors. His relentless pace secured him the fastest corrected time, earning him the win for Offroad Day One and a commanding lead of over five minutes in the overall standings. Behind him were Michael Walkner and Teodor Kabakchiev.
Photo: Vladimir Mladenovic
The Expert Class riders also endured a taxing day. Among them was MTB legend Brendan Fairclough, who swapped his usual backflips for the rugged challenges of hard enduro.
- The feeling is amazing! It was way longer than I ever expected, but it was the same for everyone, and then there was this heat. So it was tough, tougher than I expected. I had a few big crashes, and unfortunately, my front brake was locking up, but apart from that all clear - Brendan told us.
Curious about his previous hard enduro experience, we asked Brendan for more insights.
- This is actually my first hard enduro race. On the Xross Day 1 I really reached the limit of my capabilities and skills, but I got through it. Tracks are marked really well. I only made a few navigational errors, but that is my fault because I am not used to using GPS. Mike Skinner and the crew did a pretty good job on the tracks. I am ready for tomorrow - said Fairclough, who ended up in 7th place in Expert Class. It's not bad at all for someone who is riding his first hard enduro race ever.
Photo: Vladimir Mladenovic
Sergiu Grecu, Vinzenz Paulus, and Paul Christian Harpa were the best riders in the Expert class. Tjasa Fifer dominated the Hobby class, while Ged Higgins and Stefan Schrock followed in second and third place. Taj Karo was the fastest in Amateurs, followed by Dan Choules and Mark Lewis.
Off-road Day 2 takes riders to some entirely new locations where no motorbikes were ridden before. We can't wait to see what tomorrow brings in this epic adventure!
Photo: Vladimir Mladenovic
