Sandra Gomez Secures Women’s Hard Enduro Performance Award Supported By 24MX At FIM HEWC Round Two

Sandra Gomez wins the Women’s Hard Enduro Performance Award supported by 24MX at round two of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship. Putting in a strong ride at Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, the Zona Paddock supported rider was the best-placed female competitor in 98th position.

Long regarded as the toughest single-day Hard Enduro, Austria’s Red Bull Erzbergrodeo proved an exciting, demanding and challenging ride for the second stop of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship.

Gomez heads a bumper entry of female riders in Austria

With 17 female riders contesting this year’s event, it marked one of the largest entries in recent times, highlighting the growing diversity in Hard Enduro.

As one of the sport’s top-performing female competitors, Sandra looked to deliver her best at the iconic Iron Giant. However, the Spaniard didn’t enjoy the easiest build up to the race. 

“Just one week before the race I was unwell in my bed,” told Sandra. “I was unsure if I would even be fit enough to get to Austria, let alone race. But I was determined. If you don’t try, you will never know.”

True to form, Sandra couldn’t resist the lure of Red Bull Erzbergrodeo and soon found herself lining up for the Blaklader Iron Road Prologue qualification on Friday morning.

 A huge effort saw the Zona Paddock rider qualify in 81st position to earn herself a place on row two for Sunday’s Main Race, Red Bull Erzbergrodeo.

 Focused on the job in hand, she got off to a great start. Enjoying the early high-speed sections, she completed checkpoint 1 24MX Wasserleitung in 78th.

Overcoming adversity, fighting on

But in true Red Bull Erzbergrodeo fashion, drama struck in the following forest section that left her playing catch up.

“My start went well,” told Sandra. “But I made a big mistake at the beginning in the forest and paid for it. I lost a lot of places at the wrong time, and it was difficult to push through.”

Exiting checkpoint four Zentrum am Berg in 122nd place, Sandra put her Trial experience to good use in Carl’s Dinner Light and made some solid progress, eventually reaching checkpoint 11 Double Fault in 98th overall.

“I rode my best in rocks and gained some time back. I’m pleased with that recovery and happy with my final position. 

“This is such a tough race, with many difficult sections and lots of riders. It’s an honour to receive the Women’s Hard Enduro Performance Award supported by 24MX. It really means a lot to me.”

The FIM Hard Enduro World Championship continues with round three at Xross Hard Enduro Rally in Serbia on June 19-22.

2024 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Schedule

Round 1: Valleys Hard Enduro - United Kingdom, May 10/11/12*

Round 2: Red Bull Erzbergrodeo - Austria, May 30/31/June 1/2*

Round 3: Xross Hard Enduro Rally - Serbia, June 19/20/21/22*

Round 4: Red Bull Romaniacs - Romania, July 23/24/25/26/27*

Round 5: Red Bull TKO - USA, August 22/23/24/25

Round 6: Sea to Sky - Turkey, October 10/11/12

Round 7: 24MX Hixpania Hard Enduro - Spain, October 25/26/27*

*FIM Hard Enduro JUNIOR World Championship supported by KLIM