- Chris Power will compete in the 2026 Red Bull Romaniacs Adventure Core class aboard a CFMOTO 450MT.
- The former Dirt Rider Downunder editor brings a wealth of experience, including four NZ Enduro titles and three ISDE Gold Medals.
- Romaniacs’ Adventure Core category is designed specifically for larger-capacity adventure motorcycles tackling Romania’s legendary mountain terrain.
Former Dirt Rider Downunder editor, coach and multiple New Zealand champion Chris Power will take on the 2026 Red Bull Romaniacs Adventure Core class aboard a CFMOTO-supported 450MT.
If you’ve spent any time around New Zealand’s off-road motorcycling scene over the past two decades, chances are you’ve come across Chris Power.
Whether it was racing at the sharp end of enduro competition, coaching riders through technical terrain, organising kids’ riding camps or writing and testing motorcycles for Dirt Rider Downunder and later The Dirt, Power has long been one of the most recognisable figures in Kiwi off-road riding.
Now the experienced Kiwi is preparing for arguably his biggest challenge yet after confirming he will compete in the 2026 Red Bull Romaniacs aboard a CFMOTO-supported 450MT.
Widely regarded as one of the toughest motorcycle events on the planet, Red Bull Romaniacs combines extreme terrain, long days in the saddle and navigation challenges through Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. The event attracts many of the world’s best hard enduro riders and has earned a reputation for pushing both rider and machine to their absolute limits.
However, Power won’t be lining up in the elite Gold, Silver or Bronze classes traditionally associated with hard enduro specialists. Instead, he will compete in the increasingly popular Adventure Core category, which was created specifically for larger-capacity adventure motorcycles.
Adventure Bikes Join The Madness
Introduced to allow adventure riders to experience the Romaniacs atmosphere without the near-impossible obstacles faced by the professional hard enduro classes, Adventure Core has quickly become one of the event’s most interesting categories.
Riders tackle many of the same spectacular mountain trails, river crossings, forestry roads and remote sections that have made Romaniacs famous, but on larger adventure motorcycles weighing considerably more than the lightweight enduro bikes used in the main competition.
The class has become a proving ground for modern middleweight adventure machines, with bikes such as the KTM 390 Adventure, Royal Enfield Himalayan, Honda CRF300 Rally and CFMOTO 450MT all proving popular choices in recent years.
While the terrain is less extreme than that faced by riders in the Gold class, competitors still encounter steep climbs, loose rock, mud, river crossings and long days navigating through some of Europe’s most challenging off-road landscapes.
For many adventure riders, simply reaching the finish line is considered an achievement.
A Lifetime In Dirt
Power brings an impressive résumé to the Romanian event.
His racing achievements include four New Zealand Enduro Championships, a New Zealand GNCC title and three International Six Days Enduro Gold Medals earned while representing New Zealand in New Zealand, Mexico and Finland.
He has also claimed victory at the Australian 24-Hour Reliability Enduro on two occasions and finished inside the top 20 in Gold Class at the legendary Roof of Africa event in Lesotho, another race regarded as one of the toughest off-road competitions in the world.
More recently, Power has remained active through events such as the Woodville MXGP River Race and New Zealand Flat Track competition, while continuing to coach riders throughout the country.
His extensive media career has also given him a unique perspective on the motorcycle industry. As founder of The Dirt and former editor of Dirt Rider Downunder, he has tested and evaluated countless off-road and adventure motorcycles over the years.
Why The 450MT?
Power will campaign the CFMOTO 450MT, a motorcycle that has rapidly established itself as one of the most popular middleweight adventure bikes on the market.
Powered by CFMOTO’s 449cc parallel-twin engine, the 450MT combines manageable weight, genuine off-road capability and impressive long-distance comfort. It has quickly become one of the brand’s best-selling models globally and has already developed a strong following among adventure riders in New Zealand.
The Romaniacs Adventure Core class will provide a stern test of the bike’s credentials, with riders expected to cover hundreds of kilometres of demanding terrain across the five-day event.
CFMOTO New Zealand says it is excited to support Power’s campaign and showcase the capability of the 450MT on one of the world’s most challenging adventure riding stages.
A Dream Opportunity
For Power, the opportunity represents another remarkable chapter in a career that has already taken him around the world on two wheels.
“OMG! I am super grateful for the opportunity to race the 2026 Red Bull Romaniacs aboard a CFMOTO-supported 450MT,” said Power.
“The places dirt bikes have taken me throughout my racing career have been nothing short of extraordinary, and I’m pretty confident this event will rank as one of the highlights for sure!
“A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me along my dirt bike journey. It’s all helped making these opportunities possible.
“And the biggest thanks to CFMOTO Motorcycles New Zealand and CFMOTO Official for making it happen.”
Red Bull Romaniacs 2026 takes place from July 28 to August 1, with Power set to fly the New Zealand flag in one of adventure motorcycling’s toughest and most prestigious events.
