Méo, Neisser and Marčič: Three champions on the mountain!
Ducati took on the challenge at Erzberg back in 2016 and achieved an impressive 4th place in the prologue in the twin-cylinder classification on the Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro. In 2023, Ducati returned to the Iron Mountain with a strong rider line-up and the brand new Ducati DesertX model. Antoine Méo, European Supercross Champion and four-time Enduro World Champion, and Patrick Neisser, three-time Enduro and ACC Champion, took on the mountain.
Both were extremely successful: Antoine dominated the prologue in the two-cylinder classification and took both race wins, while Patrick set the speed record and secured the Akrapovic Speed Challenge trophy.
In 2024, the successful team will be strengthened by another top athlete: Simon Marčič, Alpe Adria Enduro Champion and winner of the "Dakar Legend" title in 2024, will compete on the mountain for the first time with his DesertX in the two-cylinder classification.

Antoine Méo
Antoine Méo grew up on a small farm in the south of France and began to discover his passion for riding on two wheels at the age of 4. He then started his professional career at the age of 17 and quickly reached a first peak by winning the European Motocross Championship title. He then moved into enduro racing, where he won an impressive four world titles. His exceptional versatility was also evident in his successes in rally racing.
Since 2020, Antoine has been closely associated with Ducati, playing an instrumental role in the development of the Ducati DesertX. His work and extensive experience have contributed significantly to the high off-road capability of this model.
RACING CAREER
2002 European Supercross Champion 125 ccm
2009 International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) victory
2010 Enduro World Champion Class E1
2010 International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) victory
2011 Enduro World Champion Class E2
2012 Enduro World Champion Class E1
2013 Enduro World Champion Class E1
2016 Dakar Rally 7th place - 1 stage win
2018 Dakar Rally 4th place - 1 stage win
2023 Victory at the Erzberg Blakläder-Prolog (Twins)

My debut at the Erzberg was an extraordinary experience, even for me. The track, the atmosphere, the large number of riders and the fact that amateurs and world champions are taking on this extreme race make this event a unique experience. I will give everything to be victorious again with my Ducati.


Patrick Neisser
Patrick Neisser comes from the peaceful village of Söding in western Styria. From 2013 to 2017, he was extremely successful in both enduro and cross-country racing. Even huge starting fields, such as those found at the Erzbergrodeo, are nothing unusual for Patrick. In cross-country sport, a combination of motocross and enduro, there were up to 450 participants on a single weekend.
Patrick Neisser is very familiar with the "iron mountain" of the Erzbergrodeo. At the first prologue stage in 2017, he caused a surprise by setting the fastest time on the mountain and beating well-known favorites such as Young (RSA), Jarvis (UK), Walker (UK), Webb (USA), Haaker (USA), Lettenbichler (DE) and Bolt (UK).
RACING CAREER
2013 Vice European Cross Country Champion
2014 Enduro National Champion Open Class
2015 Vice European Cross Country Champion
2015 Styrian Enduro Champion
2015 Austrian Cross Country Champion
2017 Austrian Cross Country Champion
2017 Erzbergrodeo Prologue day victory
2023 Erzberg Akrapovic Speed Challenge victory

It fills me with great honor to have the opportunity to compete with Ducati Rosenberger and Ducati alongside Antoine on this extraordinary motorcycle in 2023. I can't wait to join Antoine and, for the first time, Simon in our team and once again prove Ducati's great performance in the off-road sector.


Simon Marčič
Simon Marčič is a born sportsman whose life has centered around sport from an early age. He finds joy and satisfaction in it. He began his career as a BMX and downhill MTB racer, and his passion for two wheels eventually led him to motorcycling - first to enduro and later to rallying. In 2014, he fulfilled his big dream and took part in the Dakar Rally for the first time. Since then, he has taken part in this legendary rally ten times and was awarded the title of "Dakar Legend" in 2024.
The "Original by Motul" category, in which he takes part, is a real test of driving skills and endurance, but also of manual dexterity, as the participants have no outside support and are left to their own strength.
RACING CAREER
2013 Alpe Adria Enduro Champion E1
2016 Alpe Adria Vice Champion Enduro E2
2016 Slovenian Vice Champion Enduro E2
2020 8th place in the Dakar series classification
2021 5th place in the Dakar series classification
2022 8th place in the Dakar series classification
2023 6th place in the Dakar series classification

I've done a lot of kilometers on the Ducati DesertX this year. Although I have ridden single-cylinder competition bikes for many years, I love the Ducati's handling, enormous stability, powerful engine and impressive traction. I'm looking forward to racing this bike at the Erzberg and thank Ducati for their great support. I think that this two-cylinder class, which is very close to production bikes suitable for everyday use, has a very promising future.



I am very pleased that Ducati is returning to the mountain in 2024. Everyone knows today that Ducati plays a leading role in road racing, but most people were surprised to see a Ducati at the top in off-road racing as well.
During their comeback last year, Méo and Neisser showed that they are real champions and can also handle two-cylinder bikes. Now the team has been strengthened by another top rider, and with their powerful sound they will thrill the visitors and perhaps once again stand at the top of the winners' podium...


MYTH ERZBERG
When 1,500 dirtbike maniacs from all over the world make their way to a small, tranquil town in the heart of Europe to compete on their off-road motorcycles against a superior "mountain of iron," it's not about prize money, a high-dollar factory contract or a championship title. It is the myth of the Erzbergrodeo that has been attracting people from all over the world and from every professional and age group for more than 25 years. Professionals, amateurs, hobby riders, fans, kids and tough guys from almost 40 nations and all continents face a common opponent year after year: the "mountain of iron".
The riders who travel thousands of kilometers for four days of adrenaline can be guaranteed one thing: Strains, sweat and also disappointment. Because only a handful of them will reach the finish line and receive what is perhaps the most valuable trophy in the world of off-road sports - the rock trophy. It is not the rock itself that is valuable, but the knowledge that almost 99% of the riders did not make it.
Fans have to expect everything: merciless heat on the mountain, a lot of dust, thunderstorms, hail. In 2013, there was an incredible 25 centimeters of fresh snow even in June. It is not impossible that all these weather conditions will occur in a single weekend. So do not forget sunscreen, sturdy shoes and also rain gear!
DID YOU KNOW,...
...that of the 1,432 starters in 2015, only 5 riders finished the race.
...that the lowest dropout rate was recorded in 1999 (51 finishers out of 992).
...that 895,000 visitors and 35,000 athletes visited Erzberg during the 26 events.
...that 600 employees ensure that everything runs smoothly.
...that 200 rescue and executive forces ensure safety on site.
...that 6,000 boreholes are drilled into the mountain for course boundaries.
...that 20 km of barrier tape will be stretched and 5 km of barriers will be used.
...that mastermind Karl Katoch covered more than 450,000 kilometers for the organization.
...that the national media coverage reaches a circulation of 4.0 million.
...that the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo Facebook page has 206,000 fans.
...that the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo Instagram channel has 122,000 followers.
The dramaturgy on the mountain
THURSDAY, MAY 30 TO SUNDAY, JUNE 02, 2024






Dramaturgically, the Erzbergrodeo resembles a top-class Hollywood thriller. First, 1,500 riders go to the start of the legendary Blaklader Iron Road Prologue. Full throttle against the mountain - on the selective gravel road to the summit, the wheat is already separated from the chaff on the first two race days, because only the fastest 500 riders qualify for the dignified and worldwide unique highlight of the sport: the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo.
The world's toughest off-road single-day race demands everything from the athletes - fitness, courage and riding technique decide between victory and defeat in this brutal competition. Mental strength is at least as important here as proper preparation of man and machine. The protagonists of this unique spectacle are the real soul of the event - and the main people responsible for the internationally high job and market value of the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo.