Lettenbichler truimphs on BMW G 450 X at Red Bull Romaniacs

Here's what it takes to stage one of the world's toughest and most prestigious Extreme Enduro events: an opening prologue held downtown; four days of racing through the forests of Transylvania; gnarly ascents and gruesome descents; fast rally-type sections; and a wild climb up a five-floor inner city building. In brief, these are the ingredients of the famous Red Bull Romaniacs hard enduro.

The 2009 edition of the renowned race ended on August 19, at Sibiu, in Romania. The victory went to BMW factory rider Andreas Lettenbichler, who dominated on his BMW G 450 X. 'Letti' entered the event together with his teammate Gerhard Forster – a two-time runner-up of this unique and challenging Transylvanian spectacle. Having had to withdraw just before the start of last year's Romaniacs due to a foot injury sustained while training, Lettie was determined to impress this year, and found the format of the 800-kilometre extreme enduro to his liking. In fact, the friendly Bavarian left the other competitors literally scratching their heads – among them some of the best riders in the world.

"I've never raced such a rally before, so I knew little about navigation and it took me a while to get going at first because I had to 'find my footing'. But I soon established a rhythm and got on the gas. To be able to run with Cyril Despres – most notably a two-time Dakar winner – is more than I expected to achieve. This win means a lot to me. My BMW G 450 X worked perfectly the whole time, in the fast sections as well as through the tricky stuff. I am over the moon," said a beaming Lettenbichler after the checkered flag had fallen.

Lettenbichler's victory acknowledges the work of BMW Motorrad Motorsport. The team is already looking towards the legendary Roof of Africa, which will take place at the end of November in Lesotho in South Africa.

Podium results for the 2009 Red Bull Romaniacs
1. Andreas Lettenbichler (GER) BMW Motorrad Motorsport, 20:29:11 hrs
2. Chris Birch (NZL) KTM, 21:21:01
3. Cyril Despres (AND) KTM, 22:11:25