The final round of the 2025 Hard Enduro World Championship (HEWC) delivered a spectacular finish as the iconic Roof of Africa wrapped up on Saturday, 22 November. Over three gruelling days in the unforgiving Maloti Mountains of Lesotho, the event showcased the very best in extreme enduro racing, combining punishing terrain, intense navigation challenges, and standout performances that reshaped the global standings.
Perfect racing weather welcomed riders on the final day as they tackled two tough loops starting and ending at Music Box near Roma, also serving as the DSP. The warmer conditions placed additional strain on athletes already dealing with steep climbs, rock-strewn descents, and the day’s biggest test—navigation. For many international competitors, this proved decisive as the local South African riders’ familiarity with the terrain and GPS systems gave them an edge.
Moore Claims Roof of Africa Glory as Lettenbichler Secures World Title
The Gold Class drama began almost immediately. Overnight leader James Moore (Brother Leadertread KTM/Rigo Racing) opened the day but suffered a major blow when his GPS device failed. The malfunction caused him to go off route, losing valuable minutes and dropping outside the top 10 after Loop 1.
Meanwhile, Teodore Kabakchiev (Sherco Factory Racing) and Mario Roman looked strong early, with Matthew Green (F61 Racing) staying close to the front. Hard-charging world title contenders Billy Bolt (Husqvarna Racing) and Mani Lettenbichler (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) pushed forward aggressively to stay in podium contention.
Despite his setback, the newly crowned Junior Hard Enduro World Champion James Moore dug deep, showcasing remarkable composure and endurance. Finishing sixth on the final day—combined with his strong earlier performance—secured him the overall win. The Roof of Africa had a new champion: James Moore, the 2025 King of the Roof.
Lettenbichler crossed the finish line second for the day, earning enough points to be officially crowned the 2025 Hard Enduro World Champion. Billy Bolt claimed the final stage victory, while Mario Roman rounded out the day’s top three. Kabakchiev’s promising run ended abruptly after a heavy crash on a waterfall climb, forcing him to retire.
In an inspiring highlight, Sandra Gomez (Gomez Racing Team) claimed Top Performing Woman in the HEWC, marking a standout achievement in the series.
2025 HEWC Series Final Podium
- Mani Lettenbichler – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
- Billy Bolt – Husqvarna Racing
- Mitch Brightmoore – X-Grip Racing (GasGas)
2025 Roof of Africa Overall Top 5 – Gold Class
- James Moore – Brother Leadertread KTM/Rigo Racing
- Mani Lettenbichler – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
- Billy Bolt – Husqvarna Racing
- Mario Roman – Sherco Factory Team
- Mitch Brightmoore – X-Grip Racing (GasGas)
Top Performing Woman in HEWC
- Sandra Gomez – Gomez Racing Team
Final Results Across All Classes
Silver Class Overall Top 5
- Grant Burton-Durham (Beta Racing South Africa)
- Branden Swanepoel (Trademore Sherco)
- Matthew Burger (KTM)
- Barend JL Du Toit (KTM)
- Charan Moore (Triumph Racing)
Bronze Class Overall Top 5
- Stiaan van Den Heever (KTM)
- Geoff Patterson (KTM)
- Jamie Wilson (KTM)
- Michael Morris (Sherco)
- Altus de Wet (Altie Create KTM)
Iron Class Overall Top 5
- Gideon Malherbe (Sherco)
- Ian Rall (Brother Leadertread KTM)
- Seamus McCarthy (Beta)
- Tom Classen (KTM)
- Zane Do Amaral (KTM)
Community Outreach & HEWC 2026 Announcement
Beyond racing, the Roof of Africa maintained its commitment to uplifting local communities. Organisers partnered with One Life, Smile, a Spanish dental outreach organisation led by Dr. Pablo Beardo, to provide free dental care, clothing, toothbrushes, and community gifts throughout the event week. Clinics began in the village closest to Music Box and extended to other rural areas.
In a major announcement for the future of the sport, Glenn Olsson, CEO of KONG Event and Forza Orza Event Manager, revealed that Sweden will officially join the HEWC calendar in 2026, hosting the new Forza Orza event in Orsa Grönklitt from 20–23 August 2026.
Final Word from the Roof of Africa 2025
“What a phenomenal week! As the 2025 Roof of Africa concludes, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to its success… We couldn’t have done it without you all!”
— Ross Whitehead, Event Director
Fans can explore videos, photos, interviews, and full race results on the Roof of Africa’s official social channels and website: theroofofafrica.com.