Manuel Lettenbichler, a rider for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, emerged victorious at the 2024 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship held at Hixpania Hard Enduro. Despite facing a challenging race in the rocky terrain near Aguilar de Campoo, Lettenbichler managed to secure the title after finishing third in Spain.
Heading into the final round of the season with a 17-point lead in the championship standings, Lettenbichler knew that the title was within reach. However, he still had to give his all during the two days of competition. During the qualification round, he performed well by finishing fourth on his KTM 300 EXC bike.
The main race on Sunday proved to be even more demanding due to continuous rain. Starting in the second row, Lettenbichler quickly moved up to second place but suffered a significant crash that injured his ankle. Despite the pain, he maintained his position and crossed the finish line in third place after over two hours of intense racing. This podium finish secured his sixth top-three finish of the year and solidified his status as the 2024 Hard Enduro world champion.
Throughout the season, Lettenbichler showcased his skills by winning races like the Valleys Hard Enduro and Red Bull Erzbergrodeo. Despite a setback in Serbia due to a knee injury, he bounced back to claim victory in the following rounds. His determination and perseverance were on full display at Hixpania Hard Enduro, where he overcame the pain from his crash to secure the championship title.
In a statement following his win, Lettenbichler expressed his excitement about claiming the championship for the third consecutive time. He acknowledged the challenges he faced throughout the season but highlighted that all the hard work had paid off in the end.
The provisional results of the 2024 Hixpania Hard Enduro saw Billy Bolt taking the top spot, followed by Mario Roman and Manuel Lettenbichler in third place. The final standings of the 2024 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship revealed Lettenbichler as the champion with 127 points, followed by Wade Young and Mario Roman.
Lettenbichler’s victory at the 2024 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship cements his position as one of the top riders in the sport. His determination, skill, and resilience have been instrumental in securing the title for the third consecutive year, showcasing his dominance in the world of hard enduro racing.