This year’s Red Bull Romaniacs again delivered something that’s “one for the books.” KTM’s Mani Lettenbichler captured his seventh overall title, tying Graham Jarvis for the most Gold Class wins in the event’s history.

Jarvis, meanwhile, added another milestone of his own by becoming the first rider to finish the Gold Class aboard what many Filipino riders simply call an e-bike.

Then, there’s CFMOTO’s story.

The Chinese manufacturer swept all three Adventure categories, with Mario Román leading the charge in Adventure Ultimate aboard the CFMOTO 450MT. Rene Columna claimed top honors in Adventure Core, while China’s He Guishu completed the sweep by winning Adventure Lite.

Held from July 28 to August 1 in Sibiu, Romania, the 2026 edition of Red Bull Romaniacs once again sent riders and machines across the unforgiving terrain of the Southern Carpathian Mountains. Widely regarded as one of the toughest off-road races in the world, the event starts with an urban Prolog before four grueling off-road days where endurance, navigation and good judgment often matter just as much as outright speed.

Román finished nearly 15 minutes ahead of Yamaha rider Pol Tarrés, giving the 450MT one of its biggest achievements to date. Although his motorcycle was prepared for competition, it remained based on the same production model that has become a favorite among adventure riders for its off-road capability, touring comfort and approachable price.

The result says plenty about the motorcycle. It says even more about the riders.

The 450MT proved it belongs on one of the toughest adventure stages in the world, but it also reminded us that skill is something no motorcycle can provide. That comes from practice, experience and saddle time.

Román has spent years competing at the highest level of enduro, while Columna and He earned their victories through experience, preparation and countless hours in the saddle. The bikes were capable enough to tackle Romaniacs, but it was the riders who found the right lines, stayed composed under pressure and kept moving when the terrain became increasingly unforgiving.

So if this year’s Red Bull Romaniacs got you thinking about getting your adventure bike dirty and muddied instead of parked outside the nearest Starbucks, then maybe that’s the biggest takeaway of all.