Let it be known the 2024 Red Bull Romaniacs will be the “limitless” edition for its 21st birthday and will include a no assistance, marathon stage as it again forms part of the Hard Enduro World Championship.

In true fashion, the 21st edition of the Red Bull Romaniacs will feature a twist in the plot. The Limitless, 2024 race will see competitors overnighting without assistance in a marathon stage across two days.

Similar to the marathon stages we know from rally-raid and Dakar, the overnight Marathon Stage means competitors will not be able to receive any assistance after they leave the service point, part way through Offroad Day 2 until they reach the Service Point on Offroad Day 3.

Between these two Service Points any bike maintenance will have to be done by the competitors themselves – although event sponsors Milwaukee will be on hand at the parc fermé with a collection of professional tools to aid things.

It’s not new, Romaniacs organisers have thrown this element at competitors in previous editions and in our experience it adds some comradery to the race.

No tyre and mousse changes

That also means no tyre changing permitted between the service points and any service crews, factory teams, supporters, family or friends will not have any access to the bikes during this marathon stage.

Martin Freinademetz: “While the Marathon Stage adds a lot of complex logistics into the race organisation, it will not be the first time that we have used hotels in a different area for an overnight stage. It keeps things interesting and challenging and pushes competitors to a new level of adventure and knowledge, they will be forced to test their mechanical skills and how to pace themselves.”

New terrain and fresh tracks

The overnight Marathon Stage will be in Râmnicu Vâlcea, situated in the Southern Carpathians in Vâlcea County, so away from the main race base in Sibiu. Competitors will stay in hotel accommodation and the parc fermé will also be in this location.

It means the race enters a new area of stunning terrain opened up for this year’s race.

Track Director, Teo Isac has been hard at work exploring and creating opportunities for the Limitless tracks which will pass through the Cindrel, Lotru and Căpățânii Mountains.

Graham Jarvis, seven-time winner says: “I know to expect something different here every year. Training hard for the technical terrain and pacing myself each day is important and hoping for the best! The surprises at Romaniacs each year also make it unique, the terrain and rally style makes it one of my favourite races.”

Four-time title holder, Mani Lettenbichler: “Martin always has some crazy ideas, just look at last year! Hopefully this year it won’t be too much, I’m really excited to see what we will do this year and to ride some new terrain. It’ll be interesting what is going to come at the Limitless 2024.”

The Marathon Stage announcement joins recent news of LEATT becoming the title sponsors for the daily live broadcast, LEATT LIVEmaniacs and Red Bull Romaniacs also announcing its support for the junior competitors with its collaboration with WESS Promotion GmbH in the 2024 FIM Junior Hard Enduro World Championship.

More information: www.redbullromaniacs.com

Photo Credit: Mihai Stetcu | Red Bull Content Pool