Sandra Gomez started 2023 Red Bull Erzberg in P98 in row 2 and completed check-point 15 in P133 from 500 rider’s. Such was the enormity of racing the iconic Iron Giant within the time limit of 4 hours, a mere handful of only 17 rider’s finished the grueling event at check-point 27 out of total of 500 who qualified from 1,500 entries.
Sandra’s start to finish time at CP 15 Cukoo’s Nest was recorded at 3.03.48 which meant the Spanish rider continued the daunting climb to the next check-point, which was outside the 4 hour time limit. As way of gauging how Sandra faired against the competition, at CP 15 only 165 from 500 rider’s had completed the passes within 4 hours, and by CP 17 rider number’s were down to 129.
To state Sandra has exceeded all physical, mental, and technical capabilities to compete on level playing field as her male counterparts would only just touch the surface on how the Spanish rider has faced and overcome the challenges of competing in FIM Hard Enduro Championships.
Finishing 2023 Series – Round One XCross Hard Enduro Day 2 in P46, followed by Round Two Red Bull Erzberg in P133 at CP15 places Gomez as the only female rider to race in Pro class, a feat in itself to be celebrated. Even Sandra admits, Hard Enduro holds the most challenging of experiences, having achieved status of first female to finish Red Bull Romaniacs Gold Class in 2020.
For sure, racing against the world’s best Hard Enduro rider’s across, up, and along the face of the Erzberg working iron ore mountain, knowing time will be the deciding factor on results, only ramps up pressure of Sandra’s expectation on what can be achieved. Put in context, qualifying in top 100, racing to CP 15 in 3 hours, within top tier of 165 male rider’s, remains remarkable achievement for Women in Motorsport.
Header photo: 2023 Red Bull Erzberg start Image: Red Bull Erzberg Rodeo
Words: Sharon Cox.
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