Manuel Lettenbichler

KTM’s Lettenbichler On Top Of The World.

Lettenbichler Completes Perfect 2023 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship.

Maddy Green Second in Juniors.

Courtesy of Red Bull Content Pool

Podium - FIM Hard Enduro World Championship 2023
Juniors

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Manuel Lettenbichler won the 24MX GetzenRodeo event on Saturday to complete a historic perfect FIM Hard Enduro World Championship with six victories out of the six events on the 2023 calendar. 

Lettenbichler earned his maiden FIM Hard Enduro World Championship title in 2022 and he defended it successfully at the 24MX Hixpania Hard Enduro in Spain heading into the 24MX GetzenRodeo where he hoped to complete the first ever perfect FIM season.

– He came out on top in the Friday prologue and Saturday morning GetzenRace leaving Sherco Factory Racing’s Mario Roman four minutes behind in second and Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt third.

– Next up was the 80 minute plus one lap GetzenChamp race in the woods with Lettenbichler, 2021 FIM champion Bolt and Roman soon joined by GASGAS’ Michael Walkner and Bulgarian rider Teo Kabakchiev.

– The front runners had completed the mandatory Joker Loop at the halfway marker and, with 13 minutes to go, Briton Bolt overhauled Lettenbichler for the lead only to get stuck on a rocky climb which allowed the German to regain the lead and hold on for his historic win.

– Bolt and Roman completed the podium with Kabakchiev bringing his KTM home in fourth and Walkner ending fifth.

The 25-year-old Lettenbichler, who finished 31 points clear of Bolt in the 2023 overall standings, said: 

“It feels incredible to make the perfect season of wins here in Germany. It’s been a hard race, but this race is unbelievable. I really had to dig deep in the final. Billy was pushing hard and when he passed me, I thought I might not get him back. Somehow, I found a second wind and came back to win. I’m so happy as the 2023 World Champion with a perfect season too. It’s been an amazing year!”

 

Billy Bolt

Bolt, 26: “I gave it my best shot, but I just missed the win. After a tough morning, things were better for the final and I upped my riding. We were battling hard and with about 20 minutes to go I started to get onto Mani’s back wheel. I got into the lead but then missed a climb and he got me back. It was a good fight, I enjoyed it!”

Mitch Brightmore. Watch this guy!

Briton Mitch Brightmore edged out our Rigo Racing’s Matthew Green for the FIM Junior title.

Matthew Green: 

I gave it my all yesterday but it wasn’t enough. It’s been one hell of a season. And thank you to everyone who supports me and follows along. Nobody wanted to win more than I did. And I can walk away with my head up because I left nothing on the table.
The race was crazy. As expected, and I hope everyone enjoyed the show. Congrats to Mitch on finishing the season so strong and taking the title from me. You deserved it!
I’m really grateful to do what I do so let’s keep doing it!
 
We look forward to seeing this boytjie at the Roof!
Matthew Green

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