LETTENBICHLER WINS ’23 HARD ENDURO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Manuel Lettenbichler of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing clinched the 2023 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship by securing a commanding win at the Hixpania Hard Enduro event in Spain. This victory aboard the KTM 300EXC earned him consecutive world championship titles, and he accomplished this feat with a round still remaining in the season.

Unbeaten throughout the 2023 FIM Hard Enduro season so far, Mani made it five wins in a row with his victory at Hixpania to secure his second consecutive FIM Hard Enduro title. It’s been an incredible year for Mani – starting with a win at the Xross Hard Enduro in Serbia, the 25-year-old went on to dominate at Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, Red Bull Romaniacs, and Red Bull Outliers.

With the event’s opening prologue at Hixpania running as a non-point paying show race only due to safety reasons, qualifying was then carried over to Saturday’s Campoo X-Treme race – a 40-kilometer cross-country that circled the town’s reservoir. Mani got off to a great start to take an early lead, but was caught and passed by closest championship rival, Billy Bolt. Ultimately settling for third place, Lettenbichler secured one championship point and a strong start position for Sunday’s Hixpania Hard Enduro ‘Lost Roads’ main race.

Starting in a cave, Sunday’s main race promised to be even tougher than expected due do the recent rain and fog. Lettenbichler emerged in second place and immediately set about chasing down the early leader. As the course led the riders into the hills, Mani moved to the front and didn’t look back. From there, the KTM 300EXC rider delivered a masterclass in hard enduro riding, steadily increasing his advantage over the rest of the field and commanding the race from the front.

Battling his way up the final climb towards the checkered flag, Mani secured the Hixpania Hard Enduro win and with it, the 2023 FIM Hard Enduro crown.

With the title decided, Lettenbichler has one final round of the series to face – GetzenRodeo in early November. You can be sure the young German will be aiming to complete his perfect season with victory on home soil.

Manuel Lettenbichler: “Here I am now, fifth race win in a row for this season and world champion. I had to push so hard today. I got a good start and was able to pass Billy almost straight away and from there I just focused and kept up a good rhythm. Honestly, the day could not have gone any better for me, the race was awesome. What can I say? I’m just speechless.”

Results: 2023 Hixpania Hard Enduro

1. Manuel Lettenbichler (GER), KTM, 2:53:00,378
2. Mario Roman (ESP), Sherco, 2:59:20,688
3. Alfredo Gomez (ESP), GASGAS, 3:01:52,138
4. Billy Bolt (GBR), Husqvarna, 3:02:32,933
5. Trystan Hart (CAN), KTM, 3:03:01,418

Provisional standings – FIM Hard Enduro World Championship (after 5 of 6 rounds)

1. Manuel Lettenbichler (GER), KTM, 107 points (World Champion)
2. Billy Bolt (GBR), Husqvarna, 81 pts
3. Trystan Hart (CAN), KTM, 73 pts
4. Teodor Kabakchiev (BUL), KTM, 57 pts
5. Mario Roman (ESP), Sherco, 56 pts