WALKER CHARGES TO SECOND AT RED BULL ROMANIACS IN TRIUMPH ADVENTURE DEBUT
- Jonny Walker takes a hard-fought 2nd place overall in the Romaniacs Adventure Ultimate category
- Two-time Dakar Champion and Triumph Motorcycles Brand Ambassador Sam Sunderland takes dominant victory in the Adventure Lite class
- Both results showcase the capability of the Tiger 900 Rally Pro adventure bikes
Triumph Motorcycles has completed a landmark week at the 2025 Red Bull Romaniacs, with Jonny Walker finishing a close second overall in the Adventure Ultimate category and Sam Sunderland taking a dominant victory in the Adventure Lite class.
Racing near-standard Tiger 900 Rally Pro motorcycles, both riders delivered standout performances across five demanding days in the Carpathian Mountains, proving the capability of Triumph’s adventure offering in one of the world’s toughest offroad events.
The 2025 edition of Red Bull Romaniacs introduced the new Adventure categories, which saw heightened competition as riders tackled a challenging mix of rocky climbs, steep descents, river crossings, and forest singletrack. For Triumph, the event was a powerful demonstration of the Tiger 900 Rally Pro’s real-world capability in some of the most extreme conditions in off-road sport.
In the Adventure Ultimate class, Triumph Factory Racing Enduro Team’s Jonny Walker delivered another world-class performance. After placing second in the Prologue, Jonny encountered a minor technical issue on Offroad Day 1, which cost him time and dropped him to fifth. He responded with three consecutive offroad stage wins, closing the gap to the leader and climbing to second overall. Despite his late charge, Jonny ultimately finished second in class, just three minutes and 43 seconds off the top step.
For Sam Sunderland, Romaniacs marked his competitive debut for Triumph and a long-awaited return to racing. Competing in the Adventure Lite class, the two-time Dakar Rally winner made his intentions clear from the start, winning the city Prologue before going on to dominate each of the four offroad days. With perfect results across all stages, Sunderland secured the overall class win with a commanding lead of four hours and 19 minutes.
Sunderland’s Romaniacs campaign also serves as the launchpad for his next major challenge. In the coming weeks, he will attempt to become the fastest person to ride a motorcycle around the globe. Sam will cover over 18,000 miles, across five continents and more than 15 countries aboard a Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer.
Jonny Walker
“I have really enjoyed riding the adventure bike at Romaniacs this year. Other than the small issue on day one where I lost some time, I had no problems at all with the Tiger 900 Rally Pro. The bike handled everything really well, and I was able to win the next three days in a row, so it’s clear we had the speed to fight for the top step. It was definitely a challenge riding a big bike through that kind of terrain, but I had a lot of fun and it was great to be back at this race doing something completely different. Finishing second overall is a great result, and I think we showed what the bike is capable of.”
Sam Sunderland
“So that’s Red Bull Romaniacs 2025 complete! I’m really happy to take the win in the Adventure Lite class with a comfortable margin – I even managed to enjoy the views today! The bike was incredible all week, even in some really tricky spots with steep climbs and more. To take the Tiger pretty much straight out of the showroom with not much time to test it and then put it on the top of the box is amazing. Overall, I’ve really enjoyed the race and super happy to take the win and show everyone what the adventure bikes are capable of.”
Ian Kimber – Head of Global Racing Programmes, Triumph Motorcycles
“Red Bull Romaniacs is well known for being one of the toughest races in the hard enduro calendar. For Jonny and Sam to take bikes that are pretty much as they would leave the showroom floor, bar a few race specific parts, with almost zero prep, and finish where they have is incredible. In the new adventure classes, we have been able to show what the Triumph Tiger 900 is capable of and that it is a true adventure bike. Whilst Sam’s lead in his class may look like we entered him in the wrong category, it allowed him to get some time on one of our Tiger machines in tough terrain, in preparation for his round the world record attempt, all without putting him at too much risk of injury. Jonny has shown what a world class rider he is, jumping from his enduro bike to the Tiger, and nearly taking the class victory. I’m sure if it hadn’t been for the issue with one of the additional race parts we used on day one, he’d be standing on the top of the box.
It’s definitely a proud day for us to have enjoyed being part of this event and the excitement in the new adventure classes”
ON THE ROAD
The Tiger 900 Rally Pro has a race-winning pedigree, having most recently won the Trail category of the 2022 Baja Aragón in the hands of the legendary Iván Cervantes. Leading its adventure bike class, the Tiger 900 Rally Pro blends off-road capability and specification with long-range comfort, road handling and style.
The three-cylinder engine with its T-plane crank delivers 108 PS of peak power and 90 Nm of peak torque, offering excellent tractability at lower revs. Key features include Optimised cornering ABS and traction control with IMU and six riding modes including Road, Rain, Sport, Off-Road, Rider Configurable and Off-Road Pro, as well as a Triumph Shift Assist, heated grips and seats, tyre pressure monitoring system and Brembo Stylema® Monobloc brakes. The Tiger 900 Rally Pro also benefits from Showa 45mm USD adjustable cartridge forks with manual preload, rebound and compression damping and a rear suspension unit with fully adjustable manual preload and rebound damping, 240mm fork travel and 230mm rear wheel travel.
The Tiger 900 Rally Pro is available to configure now or book a test ride at a local dealerships, at www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk.
ENDS
For further information contact:
Lisa Jones, Global PR, and Events Manager at lisa.jones@triumph.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS
ABOUT TRIUMPH
● First established in 1902, Triumph Motorcycles celebrated 120 years of motorcycle manufacture in 2022. For more than three decades, Triumph Motorcycles has been based in Hinckley, Leicestershire, and has produced iconic bikes that perfectly blend authentic design, character, charisma, and performance.
A GLOBAL BRITISH SUCCESS STORY
● Record global sales of 141,683 motorcycles were delivered in Triumph’s latest Financial Year (FY25: July 2024-June 2025), through a network of 950 dealers in 68 countries, confirming Triumph Motorcycles’ position as the largest British motorcycle manufacturer.
● Triumph currently employs around 3,000 personnel worldwide and has subsidiary operations in the UK, North America, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, Sweden (Scandinavia), Benelux, Brazil, China, and Thailand as well as a network of independent distributors. Triumph has manufacturing facilities in Hinckley, Leicestershire, and Thailand plus CKD facilities in Brazil and India.
A WORLD-CLASS RANGE
● With a laser-sharp focus on what riders across the world are looking for, a passion to deliver the perfect ride for every customer, and attention to detail that delivers the highest quality motorcycles, Triumph offers a growing range of category-leading motorcycles spanning Modern Classics, Roadsters and Adventure bikes. From the accessible Speed 400cc TR series to the Rocket 3 with its powerful 2500cc engine, every model exemplifies Triumph’s iconic style, quality and performance.
● Delivering a fun, agile and confidence-inspiring ride for riders of all ages and experience levels, the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X launched in 2023 with a brand-new single engine platform (TR Series), representing incredible value for money and bringing Triumph to a whole new generation of riders.
● The Modern Classics feature Triumph’s legendary Bonneville twin engine. Famously named to celebrate Triumph’s 1956 land speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA, the Bonneville was the original British superbike and a race-winner straight out of the crate, chosen by famous motorcyclists of the past for its handling, style, and character. Now, the Bonneville family has evolved, with rider-focused technology and cool custom style. The range includes the Bonneville Bobber, Speedmaster, Thruxton RS, Speed Twin 900, Speed Twin 1200, Scrambler 900, Scrambler 1200 and the iconic Bonneville T120 and T100.
● The Roadsters start with the agile and popular Trident 660 and sporty Daytona 660 then the Street Triple 765, and finally the Speed Triple 1200 RS. For adventure riders, Triumph has a complete line-up of epic Tigers, starting with the Tiger Sport 660 and Tiger Sport 800, moving up to the Tiger 900 range, and finally to the Tiger 1200 range.
● In 2022, Triumph announced the acquisition of the electric motorcycle manufacturer OSET Bikes, which was founded by Ian Smith in 2004. OSET bikes are highly competitive in the Trials market, securing top 5 places in the Youth National Trials Series and feature regularly at The Goodwood Festival of Speed, MotoGP, World Superbikes and the Isle of Man TT. As part of the Triumph family, OSET is integral to Triumph’s plans to offer a full range of off-road motorcycles and nurture a new generation of motorcycle riders.
TRIUMPH RACING
● Triumph has a glorious racing history, competing in and winning races in almost every class and field of motorcycle sporting achievement. From winning the second ever Isle of Man TT in 1908, through to 1960s road and track success in Europe and America, right up to contemporary racing achievements with the Triumph triple powered 2014 and 2015 SuperSport titles and World SuperSport racing, Isle of Man SuperSport TT wins in 2014 and 2019, courtesy of Gary Johnson and Peter Hickman, plus an average speed of over 130mph 2023 by Peter Hickman on his Triumph STR765, and a thrilling last-lap victory at the legendary Daytona 200 by Brandon Paasch on the Street Triple 765 in 2022.
● Triumph’s racing legend continues as the exclusive engine supplier to the FIM Moto2™ World Championship since the start of the 2019 season. Triumph Motorcycles provides all the teams with race-tuned 765cc triples, each of which is based on the class-leading Street Triple RS powerplant. Redefining the class, Triumph broke record after record in the inaugural year, including the first ever +300km/h Moto2™ top speed. Reflecting these great successes, the wonderful feedback, and partnerships that Triumph have had with the riders and their teams, and the incredible response from Triumph fans across the world, Triumph and Dorna, decided to extend the relationship in 2021 and again in 2023, signing a new contract for another five years of racing: 2025 – 2029.
● Triumph is working with PTR Triumph Factory Racing to participate in the 2025 World Supersport Championship. Tom Booth-Amos and Oli Bayliss are racing on the Street Triple 765. Macadam Triumph Factory Racing continues with British Supersport riders Luke Stapleford (2024 vice-champion) and Max Wadsworth. In the National Sportbike Championship, the team has a four-rider lineup on the Daytona 660; Brodie Gawith, Jayden Martin, Katie Hand and Lewis Smart, along with PHR Triumph’s Harrison Dessoy.
● In 2023, Triumph announced its intention to compete in the 2024 MXGP/MX2 and SuperMotocross World Championships, and after a successful first season, is racing with a four-rider team for 2025. Jalek Swoll, Austin Forkner, Jordon Smith, and Mikkel Haarup are racing for the British manufacturer, competing on both coasts of Supercross and the full Pro Motocross series with the TF 250-X. Triumph earned its first Main Event win in Supercross in February 2025, and has enjoyed podium finishes in the Pro Motocross series in ’24 and ‘25. In the FIM MX2 World Championship Camden McLellan is competing for a second year aboard Triumph machinery, alongside Guillem Farres with podium results from ’24 and ’25, as well as a first moto win in April 2025.
● In September 2024 Triumph revealed Motorsport legend and former world champion Paul Edmondson has officially been appointed Team Manager of Triumph Factory Racing’s enduro programme, which will see the brand represented at the highest levels of enduro competition worldwide. In 2025, Jonny Walker took 2nd place overall in the SuperEnduro World Championship on his TF 250 and finished the 2025 Red Bull Erzbergrodeo on a near-standard TF 250-E four-stroke. Racing for Triumph in EnduroGP aboard the TF 250-E, is the experienced duo of Jamie McCanney and Mikael Persson. Triumph competed at its first International Six Days Enduro in August with the TF 250-E contributing to Italy’s World Team Trophy victory and Team Sweden’s first podium in decades, as well as impressive top five individual finishes overall.
ENDS
For further information contact:
Lisa Jones, Global PR, and Events Manager at lisa.jones@triumph.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS
ABOUT TRIUMPH
● First established in 1902, Triumph Motorcycles celebrated 120 years of motorcycle manufacture in 2022. For more than three decades, Triumph Motorcycles has been based in Hinckley, Leicestershire, and has produced iconic bikes that perfectly blend authentic design, character, charisma, and performance.
A GLOBAL BRITISH SUCCESS STORY
● Record global sales of 141,683 motorcycles were delivered in Triumph’s latest Financial Year (FY25: July 2024-June 2025), through a network of 950 dealers in 68 countries, confirming Triumph Motorcycles’ position as the largest British motorcycle manufacturer.
● Triumph currently employs around 3,000 personnel worldwide and has subsidiary operations in the UK, North America, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, Sweden (Scandinavia), Benelux, Brazil, China, and Thailand as well as a network of independent distributors. Triumph has manufacturing facilities in Hinckley, Leicestershire, and Thailand plus CKD facilities in Brazil and India.
A WORLD-CLASS RANGE
● With a laser-sharp focus on what riders across the world are looking for, a passion to deliver the perfect ride for every customer, and attention to detail that delivers the highest quality motorcycles, Triumph offers a growing range of category-leading motorcycles spanning Modern Classics, Roadsters and Adventure bikes. From the accessible Speed 400cc TR series to the Rocket 3 with its powerful 2500cc engine, every model exemplifies Triumph’s iconic style, quality and performance.
● Delivering a fun, agile and confidence-inspiring ride for riders of all ages and experience levels, the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X launched in 2023 with a brand-new single engine platform (TR Series), representing incredible value for money and bringing Triumph to a whole new generation of riders.
● The Modern Classics feature Triumph’s legendary Bonneville twin engine. Famously named to celebrate Triumph’s 1956 land speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA, the Bonneville was the original British superbike and a race-winner straight out of the crate, chosen by famous motorcyclists of the past for its handling, style, and character. Now, the Bonneville family has evolved, with rider-focused technology and cool custom style. The range includes the Bonneville Bobber, Speedmaster, Thruxton RS, Speed Twin 900, Speed Twin 1200, Scrambler 900, Scrambler 1200 and the iconic Bonneville T120 and T100.
● The Roadsters start with the agile and popular Trident 660 and sporty Daytona 660 then the Street Triple 765, and finally the Speed Triple 1200 RS. For adventure riders, Triumph has a complete line-up of epic Tigers, starting with the Tiger Sport 660 and Tiger Sport 800, moving up to the Tiger 900 range, and finally to the Tiger 1200 range.
● In 2022, Triumph announced the acquisition of the electric motorcycle manufacturer OSET Bikes, which was founded by Ian Smith in 2004. OSET bikes are highly competitive in the Trials market, securing top 5 places in the Youth National Trials Series and feature regularly at The Goodwood Festival of Speed, MotoGP, World Superbikes and the Isle of Man TT. As part of the Triumph family, OSET is integral to Triumph’s plans to offer a full range of off-road motorcycles and nurture a new generation of motorcycle riders.
TRIUMPH RACING
● Triumph has a glorious racing history, competing in and winning races in almost every class and field of motorcycle sporting achievement. From winning the second ever Isle of Man TT in 1908, through to 1960s road and track success in Europe and America, right up to contemporary racing achievements with the Triumph triple powered 2014 and 2015 SuperSport titles and World SuperSport racing, Isle of Man SuperSport TT wins in 2014 and 2019, courtesy of Gary Johnson and Peter Hickman, plus an average speed of over 130mph 2023 by Peter Hickman on his Triumph STR765, and a thrilling last-lap victory at the legendary Daytona 200 by Brandon Paasch on the Street Triple 765 in 2022.
● Triumph’s racing legend continues as the exclusive engine supplier to the FIM Moto2™ World Championship since the start of the 2019 season. Triumph Motorcycles provides all the teams with race-tuned 765cc triples, each of which is based on the class-leading Street Triple RS powerplant. Redefining the class, Triumph broke record after record in the inaugural year, including the first ever +300km/h Moto2™ top speed. Reflecting these great successes, the wonderful feedback, and partnerships that Triumph have had with the riders and their teams, and the incredible response from Triumph fans across the world, Triumph and Dorna, decided to extend the relationship in 2021 and again in 2023, signing a new contract for another five years of racing: 2025 – 2029.
● Triumph is working with PTR Triumph Factory Racing to participate in the 2025 World Supersport Championship. Tom Booth-Amos and Oli Bayliss are racing on the Street Triple 765. Macadam Triumph Factory Racing continues with British Supersport riders Luke Stapleford (2024 vice-champion) and Max Wadsworth. In the National Sportbike Championship, the team has a four-rider lineup on the Daytona 660; Brodie Gawith, Jayden Martin, Katie Hand and Lewis Smart, along with PHR Triumph’s Harrison Dessoy.
● In 2023, Triumph announced its intention to compete in the 2024 MXGP/MX2 and SuperMotocross World Championships, and after a successful first season, is racing with a four-rider team for 2025. Jalek Swoll, Austin Forkner, Jordon Smith, and Mikkel Haarup are racing for the British manufacturer, competing on both coasts of Supercross and the full Pro Motocross series with the TF 250-X. Triumph earned its first Main Event win in Supercross in February 2025, and has enjoyed podium finishes in the Pro Motocross series in ’24 and ‘25. In the FIM MX2 World Championship Camden McLellan is competing for a second year aboard Triumph machinery, alongside Guillem Farres with podium results from ’24 and ’25, as well as a first moto win in April 2025.
● In September 2024 Triumph revealed Motorsport legend and former world champion Paul Edmondson has officially been appointed Team Manager of Triumph Factory Racing’s enduro programme, which will see the brand represented at the highest levels of enduro competition worldwide. In 2025, Jonny Walker took 2nd place overall in the SuperEnduro World Championship on his TF 250 and finished the 2025 Red Bull Erzbergrodeo on a near-standard TF 250-E four-stroke. Racing for Triumph in EnduroGP aboard the TF 250-E, is the experienced duo of Jamie McCanney and Mikael Persson. Triumph competed at its first International Six Days Enduro in August with the TF 250-E contributing to Italy’s World Team Trophy victory and Team Sweden’s first podium in decades, as well as impressive top five individual finishes overall.
