For the first
time in the history of the Erzberg Rodeo, an electric powered
motorcycle was able to finish the race. Two Zero Motorcycles ridden
by riders – Richard Kreidi, 17, from Austria, and Martin Kock, 50,
from Germany, took part at the “Iron Road Prolog” and were both
successful. Kreidi even left a third of the participants behind him
on his way to the summit of the Erzberg.
Both riders on their Zero MX, electric
dirt bikes manufactured by Californian electric motorcycle producer,
Zero Motorcycles, were able to compete easily against the petrol
powered bikes also taking part. Martin Kock finished number 1180,
and Richard Kreidi number 1151. Many participants were not able to
make it to the finish line and broke down as early as the first
hill. Kock and Kreidi were hugely impressed with the powerful torque
of the Zero MX, and in particular its’ handling in the curves and
technically intricate parts of the track, the lightweight (78kg) but
strong Zero MX showed its strength in comparison to the heavy 250cc
petrol machines. After the race, Richard Kreidi said. “The crowd was
delighted and cheered us on as the Zero’s passed silently by.”
Edwin Belonje, European Director of
Sales & Marketing for Zero Motorcycles, said. “It’s a fantastic
result for the Zero team. To finish at a tough race like the Erzberg
Rodeo and to compete head on against hundreds of petrol powered
motorbikes is a top performance. Zero Motorcycles demonstrates again
that electric motorbikes are powerful and capable of competing
alongside conventional ICE machines.”
The Erzberg Rodeo began in 1995 and is
an annual event lasting 4 days. It takes place at the Erzbergin
Austria and starts with the Iron Road Prolog, and peaks on Sunday
with the Red Bull Hare Scramble.
Each year, the world’s best bikers
join the race to conquer the Erzberg, many of which fail on their
way
to the summit.
