KTM's Jonny Walker got his debut ride in the Red Bull Romaniacs off to a winning start with a clear victory in the prologue final that traditionally opens this four-day hard enduro. Using his endurocross skills that earned him second overall in the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro Championship, Walker blitzed the challenging and technical course in downtown Sibiu, Romania.
“This is my first time at the Red Bull Romaniacs,” commented Walker after the prologue podium celebrations. “I loved the prologue, this is my game. Some of the obstacles could have been a bit more flowy, and I think I could have taken them faster, but I'm happy to win.”
KTM's Jonny Walker was first across the line ©Red Bull Romaniacs
Showing no ill-effects of his crash during the Erzberg Hare Scramble in Austria on Sunday, Husaberg's Xavi Galindo chased him home for second.
“I am very happy about the prologue result today,” confirmed Galindo. “I love the Red Bull Romaniacs because it includes so many different elements. My favorite is the navigation! This race is not won by full speed but by strategy and I am really happy about the nice weather this time, which plays in my favor!”
Husaberg's Xavi Gallindo chases down Chris Birch for second ©Red Bull Romaniacs
Husqvarna's Andreas Lettenbichler finished the thrilling final in third place.
Defending champion, Husaberg's Graham Jarvis placed a conserved fourth during the short race. Knowing that the next four days is where the race is really won or lost, Jarvis was happy with his result.
“The prologue was different from last year, more technical, a bit tougher and slower in pace – but very rideable,” said Jarvis after just missing out on the final step of the podium. “Today I started the prologue on a brand new bike as mine took too much of a beating last week. All the top riders are also in good shape, so if nobody makes any mistakes, it's going to be a nice and equal fight."
Andreas Lettenbichler claimed third ©Red Bull Romaniacs
Prologue Results:
1. Jonny Walker (KTM); 2. Xavi Galindo (Husaberg); 3. Andreas Lettenbichler (Husqvarna); 4. Graham Jarvis (Husaberg); 5. Erwin Kovacs (KTM)...
The Red Bull Romaniacs continues with day one on Thursday June 14.
