Erzberg Rodeo: the toughest gig in motorcycling

There aren't too many motorcycle racing events where we already know the attrition rate will be massive before a wheel is even turned. The Erzberg Rodeo in Austria is one of those.

Off-road's ultimate acid test will be held again this weekend, with a posse of Aussies among the 1300 'maniacs' from 30 nations and four continents who will attempt to reach the very edge of their physical limits and qualify for the main event.

Only 500 of the 1300 riders will get through, and only a few desperados - the organiser's word, not mine - will eventually see the chequered flag.

Erzberg first began in 1994, and it didn't take too long before it developed cult status with its delicious mix of endless steep slopes, down hill runs, horizon-less gravel deserts and almost impenetrable woods.

For the vast majority of riders that's simply too much of an overpowering mix, especially when they have to cross the finish line within four hours. It's uncompromising and tough.

Because of its unforgiving nature it's hard enough to win one Erzberg, let alone two in a row. But that's just what KTM's Taddy Blazusiak has done in the last two years, and he'll be attempting a hat-trick in 2009.

"I feel confident about my chances of winning at Erzberg for the third consecutive year," said Blazusiak. "I've been working hard recently, riding in lots of different types of events, so I know I'm in good shape. It would be great to win again and get three victories in a row, but Erzberg is an event that's hard to win and easy not to finish.

"As always there's going to be lots of strong competition from experienced Erzberg riders and some new competitors, I'm just going to do my best and try and use my experience to good effect.
 
Erzberg marks the start of my season, so it's an important event in many ways."

Four Australians will compete: Mark Portbury, Dean Minichillo, Martin Orchid and Travis Cooper.

This will be Portbury's second attempt after he made it to checkpoint 12 out of 16 last year and finished in position 72 out of 500 starters.