**Kabakchiev** Fights for the Podium as Gandola Finishes on Erzbergrodeo Debut
The Red Bull Erzbergrodeo remains one of the toughest Hard Enduro events in the world. Held on the slopes of the Iron Giant in Austria, the race pushes riders to their limits on extreme terrain: impossible climbs, rock gardens, technical trial-style sections, fast areas and iconic passages where the smallest mistake can be very costly. Every year, only the strongest riders manage to maintain the pace all the way to the finish.
For **Sherco Factory Racing**, Teodor Kabakchiev and Lorenzo Gandola lined up for the 2026 edition with two different profiles and two different objectives.
Teodor Kabakchiev produced a hard-fought race. After starting inside the top 10, he progressively gained positions as the checkpoints went by. Always in contact with the top riders, he delivered a strong battle for the podium, with back-and-forth passes and close racing until the end. Even though he did not claim a “rock” this year, Teodor mainly takes away the progress he has made and the quality of his riding.
“A tough track this year, as expected. I had a top 10 start, passed riders as checkpoints progressed. I had a great fight for the podium, with back-and-forth passes and close racing until the end. I didn’t get a ‘rock’ this year, but I was riding clean and I have improved. That’s a positive. Thanks to my team and to everyone supporting me!”
Teodor Kabakchiev result: P4
For Lorenzo Gandola, this edition marked his very first Red Bull Erzbergrodeo. Less used to the very fast nature of the prologue, he had to adapt to a format that was far from his natural riding style. Despite this, he qualified in 49th position, allowing him to start from the front row for Sunday’s race.
His start on Sunday was not ideal, as he was around 46th at the first checkpoint. But Lorenzo then found his rhythm and built his race intelligently. His main goal was clear: to reach the finish of this legendary event. Mission accomplished for the Italian rider, who leaves with valuable experience for the future.
“For me, it was my first time at the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo and I was really excited. In the prologue, I didn’t get a very good position because I still need to improve on the fast sections. It’s not my riding style and I need to train more for it. But I finished in 49th position, which allowed me to start from the front row for Sunday’s race.
The start of Sunday’s race didn’t go very well and I was 46th at the first checkpoint. But after a few checkpoints, I found my rhythm and managed the race intelligently to reach the finish. For me, this year, the important goal was to finish this race, and I’m very happy to have done it. Every race is new for me, and I learn step by step to give my best.”
Lorenzo Gandola result: P11
It was a demanding edition for Sherco Factory Racing, but also one full of valuable lessons, with Teodor Kabakchiev once again able to fight at the front and Lorenzo Gandola continuing to learn and progress in the most extreme events on the calendar.