The sixth round of the 2024 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, the Sea To Sky Mountain Race, delivered another thrilling contest, set against the rugged backdrop of Turkey‘s Olympos Mountain. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler clinched his fifth victory of the season, cementing his lead in the championship standings. However, South African riders Wade Young and Mathew Green also put in commendable performances, showcasing their resilience and skill on one of the season’s toughest courses.
Wade Young’s Battle for the Podium
Wade Young, representing GASGAS Factory Racing, continued to solidify his standing as one of the fiercest competitors in the championship. Having had an impressive season so far, Young lined up for the Mountain Race determined to challenge the frontrunners. Early in the race, Young was positioned among the leading pack, closely following Lettenbichler and Sherco Factory Racing’s Teodor Kabakchiev.
As the course wound its way up the 2,365-meter-high summit of Olympos Mountain, Young found himself locked in an intense battle for podium contention. Despite the grueling terrain and relentless pace set by Lettenbichler and Roman, Young held his ground, pushing hard through the notorious Dark Canyon and maintaining his position.
However, as the race neared its climax, the unrelenting mountain terrain took its toll. Young, who had been in contention for a podium spot, slipped to sixth position by the finish line. Despite narrowly missing out on a top-five result, Young’s performance was nothing short of remarkable, keeping him firmly in second place in the overall championship standings.
Mathew Green’s Gritty Ride to Eighth
Mathew Green, another South African standout, showcased his hard enduro prowess in Turkey. The KTM rider, who has steadily climbed the ranks this season, put on an impressive display at the Sea To Sky Mountain Race, finishing eighth.
Green’s performance was a testament to his grit and determination, navigating the treacherous 65-kilometer course with precision and resilience. The young rider has consistently been a force to be reckoned with in the 2024 season, and his result in Turkey reaffirms his potential as one of the sport’s rising stars.
The Race Recap
The Sea To Sky Mountain Race, known for its breathtaking scenery and brutal challenges, once again lived up to its reputation. Riders began their journey on the Mediterranean shoreline, with the finish line set atop Olympos Mountain. Lettenbichler led from the start, maintaining his dominance despite stiff competition from Mario Roman and Teodor Kabakchiev.
Roman, riding with immense pace, caught up with Lettenbichler during the mid-section of the race. However, a rock strike damaged Roman’s exhaust, allowing Lettenbichler to pull away and secure his fifth win of the season. Graham Jarvis, the legendary hard enduro rider, made a late surge to claim second place, while Roman managed to hold on for third.
Looking Ahead
With one round remaining in the 2024 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, Wade Young remains a serious contender for the overall title, sitting in second place behind Lettenbichler. Young’s performance at Sea To Sky, despite not securing a podium finish, highlights his tenacity and consistency throughout the season. Mathew Green’s rise in the rankings also sets him up for a strong finish in the final round.
The championship now heads to Spain for the season finale at 24MX Hixpania Hard Enduro, where both Young and Green will be looking to make their mark on the world stage.
Provisional Mountain Race Results:
- Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) – 4:43:22.26
- Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) – 4:56:39.34
- Mario Roman (Sherco) – 4:57:17.96
- Wade Young (GASGAS) – 5:14:14.68
- Mathew Green (KTM) – 5:27:31.45
Provisional Championship Standings (after Round 6):
- Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) – 112 pts
- Wade Young (GASGAS) – 95 pts
- Mario Roman (Sherco) – 91 pts
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, with everything to play for in Spain.
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