20 years of Red Bull Romaniacs | How it all began

Martin had already achieved success as a professional snowboarder, holding world titles and competing in the 1998 Olympics.

In 2002, he made the decision to enter the world stage once again. This time, he pursued his motorbike hobby and created a new business. He founded "Freinademetz Offroad Adventure Tours," bringing the sport of enduro to the Sibiu and Sebes area in Romania.

Martin's new venture involved utilizing his passion for motorbikes. He aimed to make an impact in the world of motorbiking, similar to his achievements in snowboarding.

• After creating "Freinademetz Offroad Adventure Tours" and introduction enduro to Sibiu and Sebes, Martin convinced the Romanian Motorcycling Federation (FRM) of the potential for an off-road motorcycle event in Sibiu.

• Martin presented the idea to Dietrich Mateschitz (Founder of Red Bull), who supported it from the very first moment on.

• Red Bull's Head of Sports (at that time), Thomas Überall, came up with the name "Romaniacs."

• The idea of the hardest hard enduro rallye was born.

The event concept was to be a rallye style competition with enduro bikes, which at that time had never been done before and would feature hardcore riding, mega challenges, stunning landscape and a rallye where competitors could use hotels and be close to the start each day and be welcomed by hospitable locals. The first event in 2004 had 32 competitors at the start line.

It was Cyril Depres, who took the first ever Red Bull Romanics win.