FIM Hard Enduro World Championship / 2024 / Stop 1 – Valleys Hard Enduro Results

The 2024 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship kicked off with an exhilarating race at the Valleys Hard Enduro in Wales, marking the series’ first visit to this challenging terrain. Under the blazing sun and amidst dusty conditions, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing‘s Manuel Lettenbichler dominated the field, securing a decisive victory after already showcasing his prowess in the qualifying rounds.

Race Summary

The feature race on Sunday was the climax of a thrilling weekend. With Lettenbichler as the clear favorite, having won both Friday and Saturday’s qualifying races, the anticipation was high. True to expectations, Lettenbichler wasted no time, seizing the lead early and maintaining his dominance throughout the three-lap race. His consistent pace and ability to handle the demanding course allowed him to build and sustain a comfortable lead, ultimately finishing three minutes ahead of his nearest competitor.

Sherco Factory Racing’s Teodor Kabakchiev put in a strong performance to claim second place. Kabakchiev initially closed the gap on Lettenbichler but couldn’t maintain the momentum needed to challenge for the win. His teammate, Mario Roman, rounded out the podium, securing third place after an intense battle with Red Bull Beta’s Jonny Walker, who had started strong but fell back to fourth.

In the Junior World Championship, Mitch Brightmore from TTR Squadra Corse defended his title successfully, crossing the finish line first among the juniors.

Key Performances

• Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM): Displayed exceptional skill and endurance, leading from start to finish with a total time of 2:06:57.11.
• Teodor Kabakchiev (Sherco): Consistently performed well on technical climbs, finishing second with a time of 2:09:58.79.
• Mario Roman (Sherco): Showed resilience and strategy to secure third place with a time of 2:11:15.38.
• Wade Young (GASGAS): Despite the tough conditions, he finished sixth with a time of 2:19:45.73, showcasing his potential for the upcoming races.
• Mathew Green (KTM): Though not mentioned in the top ten for this race, he secured ninth place in the championship standings, earning 7 points.

The series now moves to Austria for the renowned Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, promising more thrilling action from May 30 to June 2.

Full Results

1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) – 3 laps, 2:06:57.11
2. Teodor Kabakchiev (Sherco) – 3 laps, 2:09:58.79
3. Mario Roman (Sherco) – 3 laps, 2:11:15.38
4. Jonny Walker (Beta) – 3 laps, 2:15:18.25
5. Will Hoare (RIEJU) – 3 laps, 2:18:35.60
6. Wade Young (GASGAS) – 3 laps, 2:19:45.73
7. Mitch Brightmore (GASGAS) – 3 laps, 2:21:56.68
8. Ashton Brightmore (GASGAS) – 3 laps, 2:23:53.84
9. Francesc Moret (KTM) – 3 laps, 2:24:21.13
10. Alfredo Gomez (RIEJU) – 3 laps, 2:25:08.67

Championship Standings (After Round 1)

1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) – 23 pts
2. Teodor Kabakchiev (Sherco) – 19 pts
3. Mario Roman (Sherco) – 15 pts
4. Will Hoare (RIEJU) – 13 pts
5. Mitch Brightmore (GASGAS) – 11 pts
6. Wade Young (GASGAS) – 11 pts
7. Alfredo Gomez (RIEJU) – 9 pts
8. Marc Riba (KTM) – 8 pts
9. Matthew Green (KTM) – 7 pts
10. Vaclav Nedved (KTM) – 6 pts

Junior World Championship Standings (After Round 1)

1. Mitch Brightmore (Husqvarna) – 22 pts
2. Ashton Brightmore (Husqvarna) – 20 pts
3. Robert Crayston (KTM) – 16 pts
4. Richard Moorhouse (Beta) – 13 pts
5. James Moore (KTM) – 11 pts

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