Polish rider Taddy Blazusiak (KTM) dominated the Erzberg today, winning by an incredible 42 min. advantage after more than two tough hours of racing on the 45 km track laid out in an open-air steel mine pit. Graham Jarvis (Sherco) was second after a steady, error-free race aboard a smaller 250cc four stroke machine. Andy Lettenbichler came in third on a BMW.

The story of the day for us Canucks was undoubtedly a magnificent fifth place for young Cory Graffunder, current Canadian Enduro Champion, here for his second visit, and riding a year-old machine. Graffunder qualified for a front-row starting position, ahead of nine other rows of 50 starters each. Those 500 riders had qualified in two Prologue races on the two previous days. Cory actually led for a few kilometres. “I got a great start and was up to fourth by the third hill, until I got a better line on a tougher one and was up to second, then the lead. That was great while it lasted.”


A few repeated attempts at more difficult hills, then stops to help other riders through ugly portion gradually pushed him back to fifth at the finish. It was a near thing, passing for fifth right at the flag. “The guy just behind me, and myself, had agreed to help each other out when we were both stuck in a very tough section. We both got out of there and started riding while keeping our positions as agreed. I then overshot a corner, he passed me – rightly so -- and I had to push like crazy to just get back ahead of him at the end.”

Other leading Canadians, such as Shane Cuthbertson (Husaberg) damaged his bike when he ran over a steel rod, which knocked him out of fight for the top 10.

Stay tuned tomorrow, as I will go into greater depth about this incredible event where 1500 riders fight it out over 4 days in four different races. See you then.



Photo Credit : Marc Cantin