The Abestone Hard Enduro 2025, round three of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship (HEWC), delivered another nail-biting showdown in Tuscany, Italy. With Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt storming to victory ahead of reigning champion Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM), South Africa’s James Moore made headlines of his own by finishing in 4th place overall – his strongest World Championship performance yet.
Held in the rugged Apennine Mountains near Abetone, the event pushed riders to their limits with steep rocky climbs, riverbeds, forest trails, and the infamous X-Loop section staged inside the ski resort. The new race format kept fans close to the action, with lead battles between Bolt and Lettenbichler keeping spectators on edge.
South Africa on the Map
James Moore’s 4th place on his KTM not only marks his best finish in the series but also highlights the growing presence of South African riders on the world hard enduro stage. With a time of 2:01:40 over seven laps, Moore held off veteran legend Graham Jarvis (GBR, Husqvarna) and firmly placed himself inside the championship top 10.
Moore now sits 10th in the HEWC standings with 13 points, alongside fellow South Africans Wade Young (currently 4th overall with 49 points) and Matthew Green (8th overall with 31 points), showing the depth of RSA talent competing globally.
The Battle at the Front
While Moore flew the flag for South Africa, the main spotlight was on the Bolt vs. Lettenbichler duel. The two factory riders traded blows over the two-hour main race, arriving neck-and-neck at the decisive X-Loop. Bolt’s final push secured him victory by just four seconds over Lettenbichler, reigniting the championship fight.
Provisional Overall Results – Abestone Hard Enduro 2025:
- Billy Bolt (GBR), Husqvarna – 2:18:23 (12 laps)
- Manuel Lettenbichler (GER), KTM – 2:18:27 (12 laps)
- Mitch Brightmore (GBR), GASGAS – 2:14:29 (8 laps)
- James Moore (RSA), KTM – 2:01:40 (7 laps)
- Graham Jarvis (GBR), Husqvarna – 2:06:45 (7 laps)
Championship Standings after Round 3:
1.Manuel Lettenbichler – 84 pts
2. Billy Bolt – 66 pts
3. Mitch Brightmore – 61 pts
4. Wade Young (RSA) – 49 pts
8. Matthew Green (RSA) – 31 pts
10. James Moore (RSA) – 13 pts
Looking Ahead
With four rounds remaining – including the iconic Roof of Africa in Lesotho – South African riders are well-placed to leave a mark on the 2025 HEWC season. Wade Young remains a strong podium contender in the overall standings, Matthew Green continues to climb, and James Moore’s Abestone performance proves RSA’s rising talent is ready to challenge the world’s best.
