New Zealand’s Chris Birch has won the 2010 edition of the Red Bull Romaniacs extreme enduro in Romania.

With driving rain and slippery conditions a constant companion for the riders throughout the gruelling event, Auckland’s Birch showed he was the toughest of the tough as he held off stern challenges from fellow international stars Graham Jarvis (Britain), Andreas Lettenbichler (Germany), Paul Bolton (Britain) and Jade Gutzeit (South Africa) to win the prestigious event.

Out of the initial 21 starters of the pro class only 11 had survived day three, but there was still fresh work to be done with another diabolical day to follow.

Even though the race directors took out the famous “Long Walk Up” because of the persistent rain, there were more than enough cruelties left for the riders, such as the section called “Congo”, another insane challenge.

Birch also had to overcome bad luck on his way to the win after he lost valuable time on day three because of problems with the electrical system on his KTM.

Even though the electrical problems meant Birch came in about one hour later than Jarvis at the end of day three, he kept the overall lead and managed to push on the next day to wrap it up.

Birch finished runner-up in the 2009 edition of the Red Bull Romaniacs and was naturally thrilled to be able to go one better this time around.

In the end, only 10 pro class riders finished the event.

Birch now has his sights set on the 2010 ISDE in Mexico November 1–6 and then onto defending his Roof of Africa crown from November 25-27.

Final Results Pro Class

1 Chris Birch, New Zealand, KTM. 28 hours 17 minutes and 31 seconds

2. Graham Jarvis, UK, Sherco, 28:46:12

3.  Andreas Lettenbichler, Germany, BMW 29:18:29

4. Paul Bolton, UK, KTM, 29:52:12

5. Jade Gutzeit, South Africa, KTM, 30:21:32

6. Lionel Seydoux, Switzerland, KTM, 33:21:58

© Words and main photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

Second photo by Pedrag Vuckovic

Watch some of the action from day three:

Video from day four: