Sandra Gomez completes Red Bull Erzberg Rodeo Iron Road Prologue Heat 1 in 92nd place, an astonishing achievement given pre-Race qualifying remains open to 500 fastest riders from the massive number of 1158 entered. Cutting a winning line over 13.5 kms stretch of gravel road, no more than 30 metres wide and representative of travelling at speed over rocks, Sandra clocked in time of 7.57.099 putting the Spanish rider on 2nd row for Sunday’s Race start.
With Heat 2 tomorrow, Sandra states, she is surprised at the positive result, unexpected in fact, even knowing Spain’s most accomplished multi-discipline rider has focused all mental, physical and technical skills to race and finish the iconic event.
Racing under Zona Paddock KTM Team, on board her GasGas EC300, Sandra provides all watching track-side how career paths can be advanced through determination, hard work, focus and surrounding herself with most supportive people. Ahead of tomorrow’s Iron Road Prologue Heat 2, Sandra shares her thoughts on how Red Bull Erzberg Rodeo Prologue has gone so far.
Sandra: ‘Yes, surprised and unexpected but anyway I have been working for this – for sure racing Dakar gave me the confidence and the speed. Honestly, I didn’t think on how it could be, I just started and tried my best – staying confident and safe.
I’m super happy – for now starting Sunday’s Hare Scramble on 2nd row – we still have tomorrow for another chance to improve on Heat 1 result. Also, there are those people who may be better than me, and have crashed today – so I need to be faster than today, and a little bit better. Of course, I made mistakes, but I’m very happy’.
With rider’s starting Prologue Heats in 20 second intervals, Sunday’s Red Bull Erzberg Rodeo starts in rows of 50 riders, racing to reach 20 check-points in 4 hours- up a mountain. There is little doubt Sandra is ready- let the battle begin!
Red Bull Erzberg Rodeo Hare Scramble Sunday June 19. Header photo: Sandra Gomez Saturday Prologue Heat 1 Image: @leti_ce
Words: Sharon Cox.
Comments are closed.