Wade Young, on the Red Bull Leader Tread’s GasGas, took the overall win in round three of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship in Serbia, June 18-21. Young took the win at Xross Hard Enduro Rally ahead of Sherco Factory Racing’s Teodor Kabakchiev and GasGas rider Michael Walkner.
Entering the final day of competition with a healthy nine-minute and 24 seconds over Kabakchiev, Young had a virtual grasp on the winner’s trophy. However, he still needed to overcome a brutally demanding final day to seal the deal.
With temperatures climbing above 90 degrees in Serbia, organizers modified the course to ease the intensity of the most demanding sections. But, with over three and a half hours of riding planned for most of the top riders, the day-three finale was still quite the workout.
With over nine minutes to make up on his rival Young, Kabakchiev gave it everything on the final day to reel in the South African. The Bulgarian was pushing hard. After nine of 11 sectors, he had reduced the gap to just over three minutes.
Responding, Young fought back on the final two sectors and kept the Sherco rider at bay. Topping the final sector, he celebrated across the finish line. His victory now sees him lead the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship at the end of round three.
Kabakchiev was rewarded for his efforts with the final day’s win, but in the overall classification, he would have to settle for runner-up. In the end, he finished just two minutes and 42 seconds behind Young after almost 13 hours of racing in the Xross Hard Enduro Rally.
Austria’s Michael Walkner (GasGas) enjoyed a solid final day in Serbia to complete the podium in third.
A strong final day by Mario Roman (Sherco) saw him place fourth to cement his position of fourth overall. Also capping off an incredible event, David Cyprian (KTM) secured fifth overall in the race, his best FIM Hard Enduro World Championship result to date. CN
2024 FIM Hard Enduro Round 3 Results
OVERALL (Top 5)
- Wade Young (GG)
- Teodor Kabakchiev (She)
- Michael Walkner (GG)
- Mario Roman (She)
- David Cyprian (KTM)
