Round 1, Hard Enduro 2025 – Valleys Hard Enduro, Wales: Lettenbichler Sets the Pace as South African Riders Show Promise
The 2025 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship got off to a thrilling start in the hot and dusty terrain of South Wales at Valleys Hard Enduro, with defending champion Manuel Lettenbichler claiming a dominant victory for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. Making a statement of intent for his title defense, the German rider led from start to finish in the main race at Walters Arena, securing a two-minute and 16-second lead over Husqvarna’s Billy Bolt.
The two-day event served up intense racing action and unpredictable track conditions, more akin to a desert rally than the muddy chaos typically associated with Welsh enduro. Lettenbichler’s performance was clinical — fastest off the line, clean through technical sections, and unrelenting over four brutal laps on his KTM 300 EXC CHAMPION EDITION.
“Coming into a new season is always difficult to judge where things are at, so it’s quite cool to win like this. The holeshot was everything today, and once I had it, I just tried to keep pushing.”
Lettenbichler said
South African Riders: Grit and Progress
Flying the South African flag high were Wade Young and Matthew Green, both of whom tackled the extreme terrain with determination.
- Wade Young, riding for Sherco Factory Racing, showed early promise but faded slightly in the second half of the race. He ultimately secured 8th place, a result below expectations for the 2024 championship runner-up but still solid in the opening round.
- Matthew Green, one of South Africa’s most promising young talents, delivered a respectable 13th-place finish, proving he belongs in the world’s most elite hard enduro field.
Both riders will be looking to improve at the iconic Red Bull Erzbergrodeo in Austria from 29 May – 1 June, where wet conditions and sheer technical brutality could play to their strengths.
Race Recap: Dust, Drama, and Dominance
The Valleys Hard Enduro began on Saturday with a points-paying prologue, followed by high-stakes knockout heats. Lettenbichler placed second in the prologue and then stormed to victory in the evening sprint final, setting the tone for Sunday’s showdown.
In the main event, Lettenbichler grabbed the holeshot and never looked back. His opening lap was the fastest of the race, clocking in under 30 minutes — the only rider to do so. By lap two, he held a two-minute lead, which he maintained with calculated precision.
Behind him, Billy Bolt and Teodor Kabakchiev (Sherco) battled hard for podium honors, with Bolt ultimately edging out the Bulgarian to take second place in front of his home crowd.
Further down the order, Mario Roman climbed steadily to fourth, and Ashton Brightmore rounded out the top five. Graham Jarvis, at 40+ years old, reminded everyone why he’s a legend by working his way into 7th place, just ahead of Wade Young.
Provisional Results – 2025 Valleys Hard Enduro (Main Event)
- Manuel Lettenbichler (GER), KTM – 2:14:23.88
- Billy Bolt (GBR), Husqvarna – 2:16:40.35
- Teodor Kabakchiev (BUL), Sherco – 2:17:14.23
- Mario Roman (ESP), Sherco – 2:18:15.85
- Ashton Brightmore (GBR), GASGAS – 2:22:28.39
Championship Standings After Round 1
- Manuel Lettenbichler (GER), KTM – 22 pts
- Billy Bolt (GBR), Husqvarna – 20 pts
- Teodor Kabakchiev (BUL), Sherco – 15 pts
- Mario Roman (ESP), Sherco – 13 pts
- Ashton Brightmore (GBR), GASGAS – 11 pts
What’s Next: Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, Austria (29 May – 1 June )
All eyes now turn to the Erzbergrodeo, widely regarded as the crown jewel of hard enduro. Known for its brutal climbs and unforgiving terrain, it offers a completely different challenge — and a chance for riders like Wade Young and Matthew Green to make a bigger mark.