Manuel Lettenbichler is having a remarkable season at the Hard Enduro World Championship and took the world title this weekend at  at the Hixpania Hard Enduro in Spain. The rider had no words towards what he managed to accomplish this season.

The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing was super happy with such achievement, as he told on a team statement: ‘Here I am now, fifth race win in a row for this season and world champion. I had to push so hard today [sunday]. I got a good start and was able to pass Billy [Bolt] almost straight away and from there I just focused and kept up a good rhythm’.

And still hadn’t much to say, still without sinking it, totally: ‘Honestly, the day could not have gone any better for me, the race was awesome. What can I say? I’m just speechless’.

O conteúdo Manuel Lettenbichler couldn’t believe he took Hard Enduro’s world title: ‘Fifth race win in a row and world champion, I’m speechless’ aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

The penultimate round of the 2023 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship has seen Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler crowned world champion thanks to a winning ride at 24MX Hixpania Hard Enduro. In what was his fifth consecutive victory this season, Lettenbichler has successfully defended his FIM Hard Enduro world title in Aguilar de Campoo, Spain.

Sherco Factory Racing’s Mario Roman put in a strong ride to take second, while Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt completed the podium in third. TTR Squadra Corse’s Mitch Brightmore won the FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Championship supported by KLIM category.

Lettenbichler races to fifth consecutive victory in 2023

As the riders blasted out of the cave to start this sunday’s ACERBIS Lost Roads race, it was top qualifier Billy Bolt who made good his starting position to claim an early lead over Sherco Factory Racing’s Wade Young. Lettenbichler was next away, with GASGAS’ Michael Walkner in tow. Starting fifth, Roman was quickly on a charge and catching the leaders.

Putting his title nerves to one side, Lettenbichler blitzed the opening lap, reeling in both Bolt and Young to take up the race lead. Roman was feeling confident and worked his way into second position as they began lap two. Bolt was holding third, with Rieju’s Alfredo Gomez and Young close behind in fourth and fifth.

As the race wore on, Lettenbichler was beginning to edge ahead. A battle was raging between Roman and Bolt. Roman finally looked to have Bolt pushed back to third and as a result the outcome of the title was now balanced in Lettenbichler’s favour.

After two hours and 30 minutes of tough racing, the riders entered the final series of steep climbs. With a seven-minute cushion over Roman, Lettenbichler scaled the quarry walls with ease to win his fifth consecutive HEWC race of the year and become the 2023 FIM Hard Enduro World Champion.

Building a gap over Bolt, Roman kept everything under control and crossed the finish line in second place, while Bolt rounded out the podium in third. Finishing just 40 seconds behind Bolt, Young brought his Sherco home in fourth. Crossing the line just 28 seconds behind Young, FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Trystan Hart rounded out the top five.

Brightmore takes control of Junior points lead

In the FIM Junior Hard Enduro World Championship supported by KLIM, it was TTR Squadra Corse’s Mitch Brightmore who took the win. The Brit was enjoying a great ride as he mixed it with the top pro riders. Completing nine laps for seventh overall, Brightmore topped the Junior podium.

Behind him, it was a 1-2 for TTR Squadra Corse with Mitch’s younger brother Aston putting in a stellar ride to claim second on eight laps, while also finishing 10th overall. Rigo Racing’s Matthew Green completed the Junior podium in third. The standings now see Mitch Brightmore lead the Junior category by one point heading into the final round at 24MX Getzenrodeo in November.

Results: Round 5 – 24MX Hixpania Hard Enduro
ACERBIS Lost Roads
1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 11 laps, 2:53:00.378
2. Mario Roman (Sherco) 11 laps, 2:59:20.688
3. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 11 laps, 3:01:52.138
4. Wade Young (Sherco) 11 laps, 3:02:32.933
5. Trystan Hart (KTM) 11 laps, 3:03:01.418
6. Alfredo Gomez (Rieju) 11 laps, 3:11:29.692
7. Mitch Brightmore (GASGAS) 9 laps, 2:45:12.033
8. Teodor Kabakchiev (KTM) 8 laps, 2:32:15.875
9. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) 8 laps, 2:32:28.044
10. Aston Brightmore (GASGAS) 8 laps, 2:39:16.028

Championship Standings (After round 5)
1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 107pts
2. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 81pts
3. Trystan Hart (KTM) 73pts
4. Teodor Kabakchiev (KTM) 57pts
5. Mario Roman (Sherco) 56pts

Junior Championship Standings (After round 3)
1. Mitch Brightmore (GASGAS) 60pts
2. Matthew Green (KTM) 59pts
3. Richard Moorhouse (GASGAS) 35pts
4. Marc Fernandez (KTM) 32pts
5. Felix Bahker (Sherco) 31pts

O conteúdo Manuel Lettenbichler crowned 2023 Hard Enduro world champion aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.