Manuel Lettenbichler of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing claimed victory at the Silver Kings Hard Enduro in the second round of the 2025 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, following three intense days of competition in Idaho that culminated in an epic battle with Trystan Hart.

The German rider demonstrated exceptional consistency by finishing on the podium each day—prologue and two off-road stages at Silver Mountain—securing the overall win and extending his championship lead to 18 points. Lettenbichler’s performance was particularly impressive in Sunday’s main race, where he secured a narrow 20-second margin over Hart after more than two hours of battle.

The event kicked off on Thursday with a SuperEnduro-style prologue, featuring technical and thrilling races before an enthusiastic crowd. Trystan Hart of FMF KTM Factory Racing dominated this opening phase with a commanding performance, while Lettenbichler strategically positioned himself in third place, securing a favorable start position for the upcoming off-road stages.

Saturday’s first off-road stage saw a fierce battle between the KTM duo. Lettenbichler initially took the lead and remained composed through the technical Milo Creek section, while Hart and the chasing pack faced difficulties in the chaos that followed. However, Hart managed to close the gap in the second half of the race and launched a decisive attack in the final five minutes, claiming victory on the last climb. This dramatic twist set the stage for a decisive final showdown.

With everything on the line on Sunday, the fight for overall victory extended to the final moments. Riding his KTM 300 EXC CHAMPION EDITION, Lettenbichler displayed his experience and skill in crucial moments, securing the main race win with a razor-thin advantage over Hart. His consistent results of 3-2-1 were enough to crown him Silver Kings champion, further cementing his position as the championship leader. The next stop is the legendary Red Bull Romaniacs, from July 22-26, where Lettenbichler will aim for his sixth victory in the iconic event.

Provisional Overall Results – 2025 Silver Kings Hard Enduro

1. Manuel Lettenbichler (GER), KTM
2. Trystan Hart (CAN), KTM
3. Mitch Brightmore (GBR), GASGAS
4. Wade Young (RSA), KTM
5. Mario Roman (ESP), Sherco

Provisional Standings – FIM Hard Enduro World Championship (after 2 of 7 rounds)

1. Manuel Lettenbichler (GER), KTM, 64 points
2. Mitch Brightmore (GBR), GASGAS, 46 pts
3. Billy Bolt (GBR), Husqvarna, 43 pts
4. Teodor Kabakchiev (BUL), Sherco, 40 pts
5. Wade Young (RSA), GASGAS, 39 pts

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Manuel Lettenbichler once again made history in hard enduro by winning the legendary Red Bull Erzbergrodeo for the fourth consecutive time in the 2025 edition. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider showcased his dominance once more, taking the lead at the 40-minute mark and maintaining his position until the finish line. With this victory, Lettenbichler is now just one win away from matching Taddy Blazusiak’s all-time record.

The German rider began the weekend with a solid performance in the Iron Road Prologue, securing the 11th fastest time, which granted him a spot on the front row for Sunday’s main race. His start was strong, quickly placing himself among the top five. The chase for Billy Bolt, the initial leader, intensified even before reaching the famous Carl’s Dinner section, where a mistake by Bolt allowed Lettenbichler to make a decisive overtaking move.

From that point on, his dominance was total. Not even the heavy rain, which started falling after the first hour of racing, could slow Mani down, who finished the race more than 12 minutes ahead of the second-place rider. ‘The track was perfect this year, I really loved it, and the fans were incredible as always,’ said the German rider.

At the finish line, Lettenbichler did not hide his emotions after his achievement. ‘It feels really good to win here in Erzberg again. Nothing in Hard Enduro is guaranteed, and I felt a lot of pressure before the race. Billy started really strong, but I knew I had chances to overtake him in the forest section. After that, I stayed focused and tried not to make mistakes,’ he explained. ‘It’s the fourth consecutive win – I just need one more to match Taddy, and then we’ll see… I’m already excited to come back next year!’

With another victory under his belt, KTM’s star rider continues to solidify his status as one of the biggest names in the sport. His next challenge will take place in North America, at Silver Kings, the second round of the Hard Enduro World Championship, from June 12 to 14.

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Manuel Lettenbichler made history once again this Sunday, securing his fourth consecutive victory at the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo and further cementing his status as one of the dominant forces in modern hard enduro. The 2025 edition will be remembered not only for the German rider’s dominance but also for its intensity and unpredictability, with just 14 finishers, torrential rain, dramatic twists, and a breathtaking fight for the final podium spot.

The Red Bull KTM rider took the lead before the one-hour mark, overtaking Billy Bolt in the infamous Carl’s Dinner section. Lettenbichler maintained a relentless pace, cleaning key technical climbs on the first try and managing the toughest zones with skill. “I felt I got a bit lucky on one of the climbs, but I kept focused. Winning here again feels special. It was an amazing edition,” the German said, after crossing the line over 10 minutes ahead of second place.

Billy Bolt had made a strong start and even led early on but couldn’t match Mani’s rhythm in the long run. A costly error in Carl’s Light — where he needed four attempts to climb a hill Lettenbichler cleared immediately — proved decisive. “I burned too much energy there and that’s where Mani got away. That was it,” Bolt admitted at the finish, visibly drained but satisfied with his runner-up result.

The real drama, however, unfolded in the battle for third. Trystan Hart seemed set for a podium finish until a mechanical issue — loose bolts in the rear sprocket — forced him to stop and fix the problem, losing critical time. The fight then shifted to Mitch Brightmore and Teo Kabakchiev, culminating in a decisive move by Kabakchiev in the final hillclimb, Lazy Noon. The pair crossed the finish line just two seconds apart, in what may have been the closest Erzbergrodeo podium finish ever.

Among the standout stories was Jonny Walker’s impressive sixth-place finish aboard a Triumph 250F four-stroke, defying expectations. Veteran Graham Jarvis once again proved his class, starting from the second row and climbing to eighth overall, showing that strategy and experience still count. The final finisher of the day was Austria’s own Dieter Rudolf, arriving with just two minutes to spare — earning the loudest cheer from the home crowd.

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Manuel Lettenbichler, reigning FIM Hard Enduro World Champion, kicked off his title defence in style with a commanding win at the Valleys Hard Enduro in South Wales.

Riding his KTM 300 EXC CHAMPION EDITION, the German rider left no room for doubt, explaining that it all began with a perfect start: ‘My focus was on getting the holeshot for the main event. I knew that would be key.’

Lettenbichler immediately took the lead and set a blistering pace on lap one to create a gap: ‘I managed to do that and was able to pull a good gap of maybe one minute by the end of lap one.’ Uncertain about the chasers, he decided to push harder: ‘During the second lap, I was a little unsure of where everyone else was. I felt like they were closing, so I pushed harder again.’

His effort paid off: ‘The team told me I was over two minutes clear at the end of lap two, so that was both a nice surprise and a good cushion to have.’ From there, he focused on maintaining a solid rhythm: ‘I was happy with my pace and could maintain that until the finish.’

Despite the emphatic win, Lettenbichler remains cautious: ‘Coming into a new season is always difficult to judge where things are at, so it’s quite cool to win like this.’ But he’s not resting on his laurels: ‘For sure, I have things I want to work on to improve, but for now I’ll enjoy this moment.’

With this commanding performance, Lettenbichler not only starts the season on top but also sends a clear message: he’s still the rider to beat in the world of Hard Enduro.

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Manuel Lettenbichler couldn’t have asked for a better start to the 2025 Hard Enduro season. The German rider for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing asserted his dominance from the get-go, taking a commanding win at the Valleys Hard Enduro in South Wales and laying down a serious marker in the defence of his world title.

The event, held over two days in hot and dusty conditions, began with a points-paying prologue on Saturday, where Lettenbichler finished second. Later that evening, he breezed through the knockout heats and took a clear win in the short, high-speed final.

On Sunday, the main race awaited—four demanding laps through Wales’ rugged terrain. Knowing visibility would be limited due to the thick dust, Lettenbichler made a perfect start, seizing the holeshot and never looking back. Riding his KTM 300 EXC CHAMPION EDITION, he quickly built up a gap of one minute on the opening lap and extended it to two by lap two.

As the only competitor to lap under 30 minutes, Lettenbichler maintained control from start to finish, clinching a well-earned and unchallenged victory.

Next on his calendar: the legendary Red Bull Erzbergrodeo from May 29 to June 1, followed by round two of the championship in the USA—Silver Kings, taking place June 12–14.

Provisional Results – Valleys Hard Enduro 2025

1. Manuel Lettenbichler (GER), KTM – 2:14:23.88
2. Billy Bolt (GBR), Husqvarna – 2:16:40.35
3. Teodor Kabakchiev (BUL), Sherco – 2:17:14.23
4. Mario Roman (ESP), Sherco – 2:18:15.85
5. Ashton Brightmore (GBR), GASGAS – 2:22:28.39

Championship Standings – FIM Hard Enduro World Championship (after 1 of 7 rounds)

1. Lettenbichler – 22 pts
2. Bolt – 20 pts
3. Kabakchiev – 15 pts
4. Roman – 13 pts
5. Brightmore – 11 pts

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Manuel Lettenbichler, German rider for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, is ready to defend his title in the 2025 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship. Fully recovered from the injury that kept him out of SuperEnduro, the three-time world champion presents himself in full form for the season that begins this weekend in the United Kingdom, with the Valleys Hard Enduro.

When asked about his preparation for the new season, the KTM rider showed confidence despite the recovery period. ‘My pre-season went really well, especially given that I was out due to injury for quite a long time. I’m feeling confident and my fitness is at a good level ahead of the 2025 season’, revealed Lettenbichler, who appears fully recovered and ready to give his all in the seven rounds of the championship.

The German also reflected on the previous season, marked by a knee injury that could have compromised his title aspirations. ‘My 2024 season was a mixed bag. I missed one race to have surgery on my knee and I didn’t think there was any chance I would be able to bring it back and win the championship’, recalled the KTM athlete, who surprisingly managed to overcome all adversities. ‘I fought really hard to finish the season and get my third title in a row, and I was relieved to have done it again’, he added.

The rider highlighted the hard work done by the team in preparing his KTM 300 EXC CHAMPION EDITION, as well as his own physical commitment. ‘The team have worked really hard to make sure the bike is perfect, and I have put in the time to make sure I am at full fitness’, explained Lettenbichler, who in addition to the world championship will also defend his titles in iconic events such as the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo and Red Bull Romaniacs.

With the first race of the championship taking place this weekend, the reigning champion does not hide his optimism and determination to achieve a fourth consecutive title. ‘I’m feeling super positive going into round one this weekend, and as always, my goal is to win races and claim another title’, concluded Lettenbichler, who after the Valleys Hard Enduro in the United Kingdom, will face races in countries such as the USA, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Germany, and Lesotho, in a season that promises to be demanding and exciting.

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The KTM EXC has been renewed for 2025, and the Mattighofen manufacturer is offering a unique opportunity for access to this year’s Red Bull Erzbergrodeo – one of the most demanding hard enduro events in the world.

Anyone who purchases a new EXC by May 16 will be entered into a global draw for a chance to win a trip with full access to the German event – which will take place from May 29 to June 1.

The lucky winner of the raffle will receive two VIP Gold Passes, accommodation for the duration of the Erzbergrodeo, a stunt helicopter ride over the Iron Giant, as well as a private tour to Erzberg with Hard Enduro World Champion, Manuel Lettenbichler.

The package also includes a meet & greet with KTM Factory Racing riders and Carson Brown, and exclusive access to the KTM enduro and Dakar trucks.

This is, therefore, a unique opportunity to experience the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo from behind the scenes, as well as purchase a reliable enduro bike like the KTM EXC.

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The situation at KTM AG continues to have repercussions on third-party entities. The promoter of the Hard Enduro World Championship, WESS Promotion GmbH, was primarily funded by the Austrians, who are now unable to maintain that funding… meaning the company will be liquidated.

This was revealed by its director, Winni Kerschhaggi, to SPEEDWEEK.com: ‘WESS Promotion GmbH is to be liquidated. This affects us not only as a company but also personally. But we, as a management team, want to continue with the Hard Enduro World Championship in a new company. WESS Promotion GmbH existed because it was primarily funded by KTM. Our services were paid for by WESS Promotion GmbH. KTM can no longer support the championship due to the known facts’.

Regarding the position of the FIM, the responsible party explained: ‘The contracts are between the FIM and WESS Promotion GmbH. The FIM is positive about the plans to continue the Championship in a new company because it has a strong interest in the Championship continuing to take place. The FIM agreed to accommodate us financially here, at least in the first year’.

The idea is to respect the 2025 calendar as much as possible, but the possibility of excluding the Canadian round due to the expenses involved is not ruled out. In any case, Winni Kerschhaggi emphasized: ‘We have spoken to all the organizers, including those not on the 2025 calendar. They are unanimously interested in the Championship continuing to exist. Most are also interested in it continuing with the FIM. Furthermore, they are also interested in it happening with the current management team’.

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We’ve all heard one or two stories related to motorcycles or motorcyclists that are at least strange and worrying, but this one about Taddy Blazusiak took on proportions that could be (even more) serious and even resulted in a fatality.

Three days ago the Pole, a true legend of world off-road competitions, reported an attack by someone who intentionally set a real trap to intentionally hurt someone, and in this particular case Blazusiak was even very close to having his throat cut. And no, we are not exaggerating, as the rider himself made a point of explaining on social media:

‘I’m posting this to let the entire Off-road community know that there are people out there that are instable enough to intentionally hurt others just because they hate Motorcycles. So here’s what happened to me, riding a trail on the way to my riding spot on Monday 11 of november I caught a wire that someone intentionally hung across the trail’ the rider wrote.

The trap could have even had another outcome, as the polish explained: ‘Thankfully somehow I caught it in an angle coming out of a corner so I took it on my right shoulder and between my helmet chin piece and goggles , if that wire would slip down from the chin piece on to my neck most probably I wouldn’t be writing this post’.

And he concluded: ‘All good here I got stitched up by a plastic surgen so hoping my face muscles and the scar are going to be OK.
I just cant stop thinking of, what if I would caught it straight on my neck… I cannot understand how someone could do something like this to another person’.

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The final round of the 2024 Hard Enduro World Championship culminated in an impressive victory for Billy Bolt and Manuel Lettenbichler’s fourth world title, in a race marked by challenging weather conditions in Aguilar de Campoo, Spain.

Bolt returns in style

In his second event after recovering from injury, Billy Bolt dominated the main event “El Camino Perdido” with an extraordinary performance. Although the rain made the course particularly treacherous, the Husqvarna rider proved to be back in top form, setting an overwhelming pace from the first laps of the sprint circuit.

With a multi-lap format that favors his riding style, Bolt managed to build up a significant lead by his fifth lap. In the final section of the quarry, he crossed the finish line with a comfortable seven-minute margin over Mario Roman, who finished in second place.

Lettenbichler: A title won at a cost

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler came into the final race of the championship with a 17-point lead and only needed to manage his position to secure the title. After a fourth place in qualifying, the 26-year-old German tackled the main event with determination, quickly rising to second position.

However, a crash in the middle of the race resulted in an ankle injury, forcing him to give up a position. Despite his injury, Lettenbichler showed his resilience by holding on to third place until the end of the two-and-a-half-hour race, thus securing his sixth podium of the season and, more importantly, the world title.

A dominant season

The 2024 season was a remarkable one for Lettenbichler, who started the year with victories in the Valleys Hard Enduro and the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo. After being forced to miss the Xross Hard Enduro Rally in Serbia due to a knee injury, the KTM rider made an impressive recovery, winning rounds four, five and six of the championship.

The podium in Hixpania, despite his injury, was the crowning glory of a season that demonstrated not only Lettenbichler’s exceptional talent, but also his determination and ability to overcome adversity, characteristics that have made him a worthy four-time Hard Enduro world champion.

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