KTM’s Taddy Blazusiak will make his long awaited return to the ErzbergRodeo in Austria this weekend, following a lengthy four-year absence.

Blazusiak is back racing at the place it all began for him and looking to challenge for a sixth Red Bull Hare Scramble title.

The most successful rider ever at the world’s toughest single-day enduro race, Blazusiak has amassed an incredible five-straight victories at the Red Bull Hare Scramble, starting in 2007 and running up until his last appearance at the Iron Giant in 2011.

Competing in a selective race schedule this year, since stepping away from full-time competition in the AMA EnduroCross Championship, the ErzbergRodeo has long sat at the top of Blazusiak’s must-do races.

“It feels great to be racing at Erzberg again this year,” Blazusiak said. “I’ve been away from the Iron Giant for a couple of years, so I’m excited to make a return. When I sat down at the beginning of the year and looked at the racing calendar, missing Erzberg wasn’t an option for me.

“It’s unfortunate that it clashes with X Games – another race I love – but I felt it was more important to be here. I owe this place a lot. It’s where it all began for me and my results really put me on the enduro map. I’m immensely proud to hold the most number of wins in the Red Bull Hare Scramble. Winning five in a row is one record that means a hell of a lot to me.

“It would be unbelievable to make it six wins here, but I also know the sport has changed and grown a lot since I stepped away from it. This is pretty much my first ‘hard enduro’ race since Erzberg 2011 so I know there are things I might be rusty on. But I’ve taken this challenge very seriously and worked hard to prepare for it. It’s going to be a great few days racing.”

The Erzberg Rodeo takes place in Eisenerz, Austria, on 4-7 June.