Lettenbichler successfully defended his Hard Enduro crown

The German pilot Manuel Lettenbichler He was proclaimed as the 2023 Hard Enduro world champion at the demanding 24MX Hixpania Hard Enduro, the only World Championship event held in Spain, and confirmed his third crown with the Spaniard.

The 24MX Hixpania Hard Enduro challenge concluded with the Acerbis El Camino Perdido test in the town of Alguilar de Campoo (Palencia), a final day that served to prove the victory of German rider Manuel Lettenbichler, his fifth of the season. Mario Román (Sherco) and Billy Bolt (Husqvarna), and with it what is now its third world title in the specialty, after achievements in the 2019 and 2022 seasons.

After the cancellation of the SuperEncierro due to the slippery track and the subsequent celebration of the test without points, on Saturday Campoo ) and his third Hard Enduro crown.

The championship-leading German finished third, a result that was not enough for him after winning all the races this season, so Sunday’s Acerbis El Camino Perdido was presented as an unbeatable opportunity to set things right and officially maintain the qualification.

In an unrivaled natural setting with a circuit full of uneven, rugged passes and impossible climbs, Lettenbichler did his best to lead the race with total authority and declared victory after ten laps .

“I feel a little speechless. I know I will be under pressure, but I tried not to let it affect me. I have already won four times and the fans expected me to win here too, but it is not easy because the rivals are very strong me, especially these last two days. Winning the title with one race to spare is a strange feeling,” explained the German.

For his part, Bolt seemed capable of keeping up with the pace in the early stages of the race, but as the race progressed it began to become clear that he would not be able to catch up with him and was even overtaken by the local. Mario Román, who took second place against your audience.

“I am very happy to have finished second here, at home, it is very special and I thank my family and all the people who made it possible. It has been a very complicated season, but in the end I was able to achieve. good result at home Only Germany is missing, I hope I can reach the fourth position in the championship. The zero in Ezberg punished me in the championship, but in the end I am very happy to be in one piece and give one hundred percent until the end. Thanks to the sponsors and the public, who cheered me on until the end,” said Román.

The winner of the Junior Hard Enduro category was the British Mitch Brightmore (GASGAS), with victories over Campoo Matt Green (KTM).

The sixth round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship will take place at the 24MX Getzenrodeo on November 3 and 4 in Germany, an event that will conclude the 2023 season.