The FIM Hard Enduro World Championship headed to Serbia, May 18-22, for the second stop of the eight-round series, where Manuel Lettenbichler announced his return from a knee injury with a resounding win at the FIM Xross Hard Enduro Rally.
Photos by Red Bull Content Pool
The German triumphed in the three-day event, finishing ahead of Bulgarian rider Teodor Kabakchiev, in what was a first-ever podium finish for the latter. It also marked a historic finish for Kabakchiev’s home country, as he is the first-ever Bulgarian to finish on the FIM Hard Enduro podium. Third place went to a familiar face, Husqvarna’s Graham Jarvis. The veteran rounded out the overall podium and moved into the championship points lead, in a tie with opening-round winner Billy Bolt.
After two solid days of racing in Serbia, the outcome of the Xross Hard Enduro came down to the final day. Lettenbichler came into day three with the lead after an outstanding day two, carrying an eight-minute advantage in the final stretch.
Off to a flying start, the German topped the time sheets on the first special. It was a close battle in the near-two-hour stage, but Letti managed to put another three minutes on his closest rival in the overall. Sherco Factory Racing’s Wade Young took second with Bolt third quickest. Although losing ground to Lettenbichler, Kabakchiev pulled time on Jarvis to strengthen his position in second overall.
A short 44-minute stage awaited riders for the second special and this time it was Jarvis who edged out Bolt by four seconds, with Letti not far behind in third. The final stage was more of a formality for the German rider, who kept clear of mistakes in order to take the overall victory at round two of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship.
“Amazing!” Lettenbichler exclaimed. “I am honestly so surprised to have won. I didn’t come here expecting to, but things began to go my way and I got the job done. I think yesterday was the dealbreaker (day two), building a big lead. But I know luck can quickly change so I had to keep focused today. It’s been a long time away from racing so to be back, and back winning it’s amazing.”
Delivering a performance that was nearly as impressive as Lettenbichler’s winning ride, Kabakchiev won the final stage in style to secure the runner-up result. In what was an incredible week for the Bulgarian, he’s shown he’s ready to take on the top ranks of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship.
“It’s been an unbelievable week,” said Kabakchiev. “I came here hoping conditions would suit me and they did. Each day I gave my best and I think that was the best way. Hopefully this is just the beginning and I can keep racing with these guys at this level!”
For Jarvis, the Brit again put his Husqvarna on the podium with a third-place finish. Jarvis started out the final day with a comfortable cushion over Bolt in fourth. But he was still determined to push the pace and won the penultimate special stage. With two podium results from two starts, the Jarvis Racing Team Husqvarna rider now jointly leads the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship with Bolt.
“I’m pleased with this podium,” said Jarvis. “Two from two is cool. I just took each day as they came and it sort of worked itself right. I feel like my old confidence is coming back to me now. I’m worrying less about my knee and that’s a good sign. Erzbergrodeo is next; I’ll be giving it all I’ve got.”
For Bolt, the Serbian event was one of mixed fortunes. It started well with him winning Wednesday’s Straight Rhythm prologue section, as well as leading at the end of day one. But it was day two that ultimately ousted him from podium contention. Dropping to fourth, it was a tall order for the Brit to put that time back on Jarvis. He had to settle for fourth overall, however he still had a hand on the championship points lead, even if he’s sharing it with Jarvis.
Young rounded out the top-five, the South African putting in his best performance on day three with two top-three special test finishes. The Sherco rider kept it close, finishing only three minutes behind Bolt.
Rounding out the top-10 was Rigo Racing’s Matt Green, who topped the FIM Hard Enduro Junior Cup. The South African held the lead throughout the three-day race, becoming the first Junior race winner in the FIM Hard Enduro series.
“To win the Juniors is awesome and to finish 10th overall is a perfect way to end the week,” said Green. “It’s great to have this class this year, to give the younger riders an additional platform to perform on.” CN
2022 Xross Hard Enduro Rally Results
OVERALL
- Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 11:10:04
- Teodor Kabakchiev (KTM) 11:20:07
- Graham Jarvis (Hus) 11:28:35
- Billy Bolt (Hus) 11:37:27
- Wade Young (She) 11:37:27
- Michael Walkner (GG) 11:47:10
- David Cyprian (KTM) 12:07:55
- Alfredo Gomez (GG) 12:23:55
- Will Hoare (GG) 12:27:10
- Matt Green (GG) 12:45:20
Click here for all the latest Off-Road Racing news.
