Red Bull athlete Wade Young recently triumphed at the Xross Hard Enduro Rally, the third round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship. With a relentless drive and unparalleled talents, Young navigated the gruelling terrain to secure a well-deserved victory, showcasing his exceptional athleticism. This win sets a high benchmark for his upcoming participation in the prestigious Red Bull Romaniacs event, where he is expected to deliver another outstanding performance.
Congratulations on your victory at the Xross Hard Enduro Rally! This achievement has propelled you to the top of the overall championship standings. What does it mean to you personally and professionally?
“It feels great being the leader of the World Championship, but I’m not too focused on where I am in the standings. My goals never change. I’m still focused on every race I enter to do my very best, prepare as best as I can, and just keep that mindset in every race.”
The temperatures soared above 30 degrees during the race. How did you prepare for and cope with such extreme conditions?
“Day two, in particular, was super hot and a very tough day. We spent probably an hour in a valley that was super hot in the middle of the day. The track was ‘obviously’ difficult, but the weather made it that much harder. But I think being from South Africa, we adapt a little bit better than the European riders with the heat.”
Entering the final day with a substantial lead, what was your strategy to maintain that advantage despite the fierce competition from Teodor Kabakchiev?
“My plan was just to push a good pace, a pace that I could carry all the way to the end of the day. We had already had two hard days before that, so my body was a bit tired. But I pushed as hard as I could on the last day.”
With the next round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship at Red Bull Romaniacs approaching, how are you preparing for this upcoming challenge?
“I am doing as much training as I can but I also don’t want to burn myself out. I have been doing quite a bit of cycling, a bit of gym work, and then just working on small things that I think I can improve and do better. I have added more hours to my training, as Romaniacs is a very long race. It’s a five-day race, and I think this year, from what I’ve heard, is going to be super challenging.”
As Young prepares for the forthcoming Red Bull Romaniacs, his success at the Xross Hard Enduro Rally serves as a testament to his dedication and abilities in the world of hard enduro racing. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level underscores his status as one of the sport’s elite athletes. Fans and competitors alike eagerly anticipate Young’s participation in the next event, confident that he will continue to push the boundaries and inspire with his remarkable achievements.
