This Off-Road Motorcycle Race Just Got Cancelled Because of Pigs, No Really

An outbreak of African Swine Fever has become quite an issue in the area.

Photo by: FIM EnduroGP

By: Enrico Punsalang

Mar 24, 2025 at 8:43am ET

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The 2025 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship has hit an unexpected roadblock with the cancellation of the EnduroGP of Romania, which was originally set for June 20 through 22 in Bacău. Despite the best efforts of the FIM, Romania Motorcycle Federation (FRM), Prime Stadium, and LX-Cape Motoclub, the event had to be scrapped due to an African swine fever outbreak in the area.

While African swine fever does not affect humans, it is highly contagious among pigs and poses a major threat to Romania’s agriculture. The outbreak occurred at Hunting Ground No. 37 in Calugara, which overlaps the event’s roads and special test areas, making it impossible for the racing series to on as planned. This information comes straight from the FIM EnduroGP’s official press release.

EnduroGP is the premier world championship for enduro racing, testing riders across a mix of rugged terrain, technical obstacles, and high-speed sections. Some of the biggest manufacturers in the sport include KTM, Husqvarna, Beta, Honda, and Sherco, among others, all fielding top riders to battle for championship glory.

Photo by: FIM EnduroGP

The Romanian round was a particularly exciting stop on the calendar. Enduro racing in Romania has a rich history, with the country’s rugged landscapes providing a perfect setting for brutal yet rewarding courses. Fans and riders were looking forward to the challenge, making this cancellation all the more disappointing. With no alternative venue available, the organizers had no choice but to call it off.

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With Romania out, the 2025 EnduroGP calendar now consists of seven rounds. The season kicks off in Portugal (Fafe) from April 4 through 6, followed by Spain (Oliana) on May 2 through 4 and Sweden (Skövde) on May 23 through 25. The championship resumes in August with the GP of Wales (Rhayader) from August 1 through 3, followed by France (Réquista) on September 12 through 14, Italy (Darfo Boario Terme) on September 26 through 28, and finally, Germany (Zschopau) on October 17 through 19.

While this cancellation is frustrating for everyone, keeping the situation under control, and of course, safeguarding Romania's vital agricultural industry remains the top priority. Our thoughts go out to the Romanian enduro community, who will have to miss out on the action this year. Hopefully, we’ll see them back on the calendar in the next season. Fingers crossed.