- Xross Team®
Photo by Predrag Vuckovic
The 10th edition of the Xross Hard Enduro Rally kicked off on Wednesday with the Prologue, a challenging qualification run in the heart of Zlatibor. As the third stop of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, the event attracted 230 riders from nearly 40 countries. Divided into four categories – Pro, Expert, Hobby, and Amateur – the riders spent the entire day navigating the Prologue's demanding course. A specially designed polygon featuring obstacles such as massive logs, tires, and stones put their skills and techniques to the test.
Photo by Vladimir Mladenovic
The Prologue was a spectacle, especially for the PRO Class riders who seemingly flew over the obstacles, leaving clouds of dust in their wake. Riders in the other classes faced more challenges but demonstrated true hard enduro spirit, giving their all to conquer the course. The audience watched in awe, cheering loudly for every rider, whether they zoomed past or got stuck.
Photo by Predrag Vuckovic
The Akrapovič Finals delivered high-stakes drama as the top 16 riders in each class competed to be the fastest on the course. In the Pro Class, Mitch Brightmore secured first place, followed closely by his brother Ashton Brightmore in second, and Bulgarian rider Teodor Kabakchiev in third.
- It was pretty hot today for us Brits, but it was the same for everyone. The Prologue was quite technical due to the speed we were riding over loose stones and tires, and we had to account for the heat. I tried not to push too hard and kept an eye on the guy behind me. It's nice racing with Ashton; he wasn't close enough to challenge me, but having him behind pushed me on. I'm pretty happy with P1 at the Prologue - said Mitch Brightmore.
Photo by Vladimir Mladenovic
In the Expert Class, Sergiu Grecu claimed the top spot, followed by Jasper Huybrechts and Damian Broniewski. The Hobby Class saw Fernando Pascal take the win, with Jakob Blazovich and Matthie Ross finishing second and third. In the Amateur category, Taj Karo, Nenad Prokopovic, and Mark Lewis were the fastest three, showcasing remarkable talent and determination.
Photo: Vladimir Mladenovic
Blazovich, who took second place in Hobby, impressed the audience with his running skills and endurance off the bike. He runs social media channels for some PRO riders, so he is filming riders in PRO class when he is not riding himself.
- The prologue was short. I was expecting it to be at least as long as last year. I gave my best today, and I am very happy to start second tomorrow. I will also do my best to finish on the podium. I do a lots of media for others, I try to take the best footage of them. For example, I just finished filming PRO qualifications today and had to prepare myself for the Hobby Race. When I finished racing, I had to change back and go straight to shoot the PROs again. I run up and down the track with the guys. I was here last year, and I liked it a lot; I hope it won't be this hot - said Blazovich.
The Prologue at the Xross Hard Enduro Rally set a thrilling tone for the rest of the event, promising more excitement, intense competition, and unforgettable moments. Thursday is reserved for the Off-road Day 1 and 100km through Tara Mountain.
