06.09.2026
Rnd 5, Hard Enduro 2026 – Abetone, Italy
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s
Manuel Lettenbichler has extended his lead in the 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship with a dominant victory at round five, Abestone Hard Enduro. Delivering a commanding performance aboard his KTM 300 EXC, the reigning champion secured maximum points across Saturday’s Prologue and Sprint Race before going on to win Sunday’s Main Race by six minutes.
Lettenbichler began the weekend in perfect fashion, topping Saturday morning’s Prologue to claim three championship points. The German then carried that pace into the one-hour Sprint Race, leading the Gold class from start to finish to secure another 10 points. With Lettenbichler taking the full haul of championship points available on Saturday, he headed into Sunday’s Gold Final in a strong position.
Starting Sunday’s two-hour Main Race at the front, Mani immediately established himself as the rider to beat. The KTM rider controlled the race from the opening lap, maintaining a relentless pace as he steadily increased his advantage over the chasing field. Continuing to push throughout the full race distance, Mani crossed the finish line six minutes clear to claim his fourth HEWC victory of the season so far.
The result sees Lettenbichler extend his championship lead to 24 points with three rounds remaining. The series now heads to Lesotho for round six, the Roof of Africa, taking place from September 23-26.
Manuel Lettenbichler: “What a great championship round. The crowd here in Italy was amazing, and it felt like there were even more people than last year. It’s really cool to see the sport continuing to grow in Italy and internationally. The event and the track were both great, and the track was actually really raceable, which made for an intense but enjoyable race. It was tough on the body, but I think we managed the weekend really well. It’s pretty insane to take another win here, especially with such a strong gap at the finish. I had a small crash in the river towards the end when I was pushing a little too hard and trying to extend the gap to Mitch [Brightmore], but thankfully it didn’t cost us. The crowd was amazing, and thanks to everyone out there with the chainsaws and all the crazy support in the trees. What a great race. Grazie a tutti!”
Provisional Results – 2026 Abestone Hard Enduro
1. Manuel Lettenbichler (GER), KTM, 2:07:12
2. Mitch Brightmore (GBR), GASGAS, 2:13:20 +6:07
3. Teodor Kabakchiev (BUL), Sherco, 2:14:54 +7:41
4. James Moore (RSA), Beta, 2:19:26 +12:13
5. Mario Roman (ESP), Husqvarna, 2:21:43 +14:30
Provisional Standings – 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship (after 5 of 8 rounds)
1. Manuel Lettenbichler (GER), KTM, 150 pts
2. Mitch Brightmore (GBR), GASGAS, 126 pts
3. Teodor Kabakchiev (BUL), Sherco, 94 pts
4. Ashton Brightmore (GBR), GASGAS, 91 pts
5. Billy Bolt (GBR), Husqvarna, 77 pts
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