Mani Lettenbichler Wins the 2024 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship

Hixpania Hard Enduro, Aguilar de Campoo, Spain

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel “Mani” Lettenbichler clinched the 2024 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship in a thrilling season finale at the Hixpania Hard Enduro. Despite finishing third in this grueling last race of the season, held in the rugged terrain near Aguilar de Campoo, Mani secured the title on a high note, bringing his year of hard-fought competition to a triumphant close.

Lettenbichler entered this seventh and final round with a 17-point lead, knowing the championship was within his grasp but that it would take full commitment over the two-day event in Spain. During the qualifying round, riding his KTM 300 EXC, Mani got off to a strong start by securing fourth place, setting the tone for the weekend ahead.

Sunday’s main race was a wet and wild showdown, with relentless rain turning the track into an extreme test of endurance. Starting from the second row, Mani pushed hard and quickly moved into second place. However, a mid-race crash injured his ankle, dropping him back to third. Yet, he persevered, maintaining his podium position with grit, and after nearly two and a half hours of intense hard enduro action, crossed the finish line to claim his sixth podium of the season and, most importantly, the 2024 world title.

This year has been nothing short of spectacular for Lettenbichler, with wins at major events like the Valleys Hard Enduro and the legendary Red Bull Erzbergrodeo. Despite a setback when he had to sit out the Xross Hard Enduro Rally in Serbia due to a knee injury, the German rider made a remarkable comeback, securing victories in rounds four, five, and six. Finally, at the season finale in Spain, Mani displayed the tenacity that has come to define his riding, sealing the championship with style and resilience.

Manuel Lettenbichler:

“I’m so stoked to have won the championship for the third time in a row! And to get another podium is pretty cool after such a tough race! I had a massive crash in the middle of the race which hurt, so I’m glad to have had such a strong finish anyway. It’s been an incredible season with plenty of ups and downs, but it has all paid off in the end!”