Hard enduro rider and Yamaha rally racer Pol Tarrés has completed yet another remarkable feat on the Ténéré 700, taking a respectable finish in the Silver Class at the 2024 Red Bull Romaniacs – an event renowned for being one of the toughest Hard Enduro races in the world.
Set up by ex-Snowboarder Martin Freinademetz, Red Bull Romaniacs is a gruelling hard enduro event which sees riders take to some of the hardest terrain and obstacles of any hard enduro event. The event is so difficult, most of the riders who attempt to take it on year on year fail to finish.
Three years ago, Tarrés made history by becoming the first rider to finish in the Bronze Class on a twin-cylinder bike. He returned to Romaniacs in the following two years, but two crashes prevented him from fighting for the Bronze Class race win.
Deciding to push the limits one step further for 2024, Tarrés entered the Silver Class – breaking records by becoming the first rider in history to both enter and finish the category on a twin-cylinder motorcycle.
Out of 113 riders competing in this class, Pol and his Ténére battled through some testing and trying times, eventually crossing the line in a spectacular 60th place. The race didn’t come without its challenges, though. The 30-year-old was forced to relinquish several positions while he fixed his radiator after colliding with a piece of wood which briefly halted his charge. Fixing it himself, he soldiered on and finished the race up the remarkable Gusterita Hill Climb in front of a sea of cheering spectators.
There was more delight for the Ténéré 700 too, as Kevin Gallas secured Bronze Class victory aboard his Ténéré following a difficult race. A big crash on the morning of the final day left his victory in doubt, but teamwork with Pol’s Trece Racing team and Kevin’s own squad saw him get back into the race and take the class win.
“I decided to race in the Silver Class after Martin Freinademetz challenged me to do it. I have to say, this was the craziest and most challenging thing I’ve ever done. It was tougher than Erzbergrodeo, the altitude record or anything else I’ve tried. I was super exhausted and sometimes even doubted whether I can keep racing for 4 days in a row at this level. It was a strong fight within myself but every day I managed to pass my limits and that kept me motivated. It was also my dream to finish with the Gusterita Hill Climb. The audience really gave me that extra energy! I’m very happy for Kevin as well, he gave more than 100% and that’s what matters in a race like this.” — Pol Tarrés
