After an action-packed 2023 season, the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship comes to a close at the iconic 24MX GetzenRodeo in Germany this weekend. With the 2023 title already secured, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler looks to complete the perfect, undefeated season on home soil. Meanwhile, the FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Championship supported by KLIM title remains undecided with TTR Squadra Corse’s Mitch Brightmore leading Rigo Racing’s Matthew Green by one point.
Words and Feature Image by FIM Hard Enduro
- 2023 FIM Hard Enduro season draws to a close in Germany
- Manuel Lettenbichler aiming to complete perfect season at 24MX GetzenRodeo
- Junior category set to go down to the wire
With five rounds complete, the 2023 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship is set to conclude at the infamous 24MX GetzenRodeo in Germany this weekend, November 3/4. Always a showstopper event, the iconic race is famed for its compact but tough Hard Enduro course and attracts thousands of spectators. This year will mark the 10th edition of the race, with over 10,000 spectators expected to attend.
MORE RACING THAN EVER BEFORE
For 2023, the format sees the addition of an extra day of racing, with proceedings beginning on Friday. New to the race is the Red Bull Double Trouble knock out battle on Friday evening. Here, the best riders will compete for the fastest time in the prologue, with additional championship points up for grabs.
Saturday will consist of two parts. The GetzenRace is a two-hour main race, and the GetzenChamp is a final run of five laps. Only the top 20 riders from the GetzenRace qualify for the GetzenChamp.
The course features steep ascents, rocky sections, forest trails, and water crossings, providing a demanding and technical challenge for all participants. The event is famous for its thrilling spectator experience, with thousands of fans lining the course to support the riders as they take on the challenging terrain.
WATCH IT LIVE ON RED BULL TV
The final round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship at the 24MX GetzenRodeo will be broadcast live by Red Bull TV and available on iridehardenduro.com. Fans from around the globe can tune in on November 4th to catch every moment of the action.
The live broadcast will begin with the Pre-Show at 13.30CET, offering valuable insights into the event. The “24MX GetzenChamp” race, broadcast in both English and German, is scheduled to commence at 14.00CET.
CAN LETTENBICHLER CLAIM THE PERFECT SEASON?
At the penultimate round of the season in Spain, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler became the 2023 FIM Hard Enduro World Champion thanks to his race-winning result. However, the German will arrive at his home race having remained undefeated so far this year. A home win this weekend would cap off what’s been an incredible championship for the KTM rider.
Behind Lettenbichler, the battle for the remainder of the championship looks set to be decided between Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt and FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Trystan Hart. Bolt now heads Hart by eight points heading into the final round. Hart will have to bring his A-Game if he wishes to topple the Brit.
ECONT Bulgaria’s Teo Kabakchiev sits fourth overall in the standings, but only holds a one-point advantage over Sherco Factory Racing’s Mario Roman, with Roman’s teammate Wade Young a further three points back in sixth. The Sherco pairing were on top form last time out in Spain and always perform well in Germany. With an intense and tough race ahead, final championship positions could quickly change.
BRIGHTMORE AND GREEN BATTLE FOR JUNIOR HONOURS
While Lettenbichler is already crowned the FIM Hard Enduro World Champion, the FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Championship supported by KLIM is set to go down to the wire. Round five saw positions change, with TTR Squadra Corse’s Mitch Brightmore delivering a winning ride.
Thanks to his victory in both the prologue and main race, he’s become the new championship leader heading into 24MX GetzenRodeo. The young Brit now leads Rigo Racing’s Matthew Green by just one point.
The battle for the final step of the Junior championship podium is also wide open. Britain’s Richard Moorhouse (GASGAS) holds third but is only three points clear of Spain’s Marc Fernandez (KTM) in fourth, with Germany’s Felix Bahker (Sherco) one point behind in fifth.
The sixth and final round of the 2023 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship takes place at 24MX GetzenRodeo in Germany on November 3/4.
