X-GRIP GASGAS Racing Team Delivers Best-Ever Erzberg Hare Scramble Performance with Triple Finish

Riders were forced to tackle the 15-kilometre gravel climb to the summit at speeds exceeding 120 km/h while battling heavy rainfall and limited visibility. Despite the difficult conditions, the X-GRIP GASGAS Racing Team immediately made its mark. Veteran Dieter Rudolf delivered a standout performance, setting the ninth-fastest Prologue time with a run of just over eleven minutes.

Mitch Brightmore secured 13th position, closely followed by Valentino Hutter in 15th. Ashton Brightmore finished 28th, while Matthias Buchinger narrowly missed direct qualification for the front row after placing 51st.

As the track dried overnight, lap times improved across the field during the second Prologue day. Ashton Brightmore made a significant step forward, securing a front-row start position.

When the starting flag dropped on Sunday, the X-GRIP GASGAS Racing Team launched into action with determination. Mitch immediately took control of the race lead, while Ashton and Vale established themselves inside the top ten.

At the front of the field, Mitch matched the pace of the eventual race winner during the opening stages before wisely adjusting his strategy to manage the demands of the gruelling second half of the race. The young Styrian Valentino impressed against the world’s elite and remained firmly within the top five throughout the early stages of the race, holding his position with composure and showing remarkable consistency under pressure.

Didi once again demonstrated the value of experience, maintaining a strong and steady pace throughout while carefully managing his physical condition. He timed his effort intelligently, ensuring he stayed competitive without overextending himself too early.

Further back, Buchi delivered a composed and determined performance, steadily advancing through the checkpoints and recording his strongest Erzbergrodeo result to date.

Despite setbacks, the team continued fighting through the toughest sections of the course. Ashton Brightmore continued to impress throughout the race, eventually securing an outstanding eighth-place finish and becoming an official Erzbergrodeo finisher for the first time.

The X-GRIP GASGAS Racing Team’s remarkable performance was rewarded with Mitch Brightmore securing fifth place, Ashton Brightmore finishing eighth, and Dieter Rudolf claiming 14th position.