(EN) Lettenbichler Takes Lead in Hard Enduro World Ranking and Extends It at XL Lagares

Vienna / Sibiu, May 12, 2026 – After nine races, there has been a change at the top of the current Hard Enduro World Ranking. KTM factory rider Manuel Lettenbichler from Kiefersfelden in Bavaria took over first place with his victory in the Main Event at Alestrem in France, displacing his brand colleague Trystan Hart from Canada. He further extended his lead with another win at the XL Lagares.

After two victories at the Premier Events Alestrem in France and XL Lagares in Portugal, the maximum points from both races went to the Hard Enduro superstar, Red Bull KTM factory rider Manuel Lettenbichler. With 2,400 points, the rider from Kiefersfelden now leads the Hard Enduro World Ranking by 600 points ahead of Spaniard Mario Roman. The lead thus moved from the North American to the European continent after Alestrem. The former leader, Canadian Trystan Hart – who did not start in France or Portugal – currently sits in 28th place. Spaniard Mario Roman (Husqvarna) consolidates his 2nd position, while SuperEnduro icon Billy Bolt (Husqvarna), who finished second at Alestrem, takes 3rd place in the current ranking.

Massive International Interest

The Hard Enduro World Ranking is enjoying growing enthusiasm among organizers, riders, and fans alike. After just nine races, it is already well-established and internationally broad:

  1. Grinding Stone Hard Enduro (Masters category) – USA

  2. Reetzer Hardenduro (Challenger category) – Germany

  3. Hardstone Hard Enduro (Challenger category) – Turkey

  4. Alestrem (Premier category) – France

  5. Hard Enduro Arsenal (Masters category) – Romania

  6. Enduro Trophy Perchau (Challenger category) – Austria

  7. Extreme XL Lagares (Premier category) – Portugal

  8. Hells Ride Hard Enduro (Challenger category) – Austria

  9. Valleys Hard Enduro (Masters category) – Wales

  10. Enduro Trophy Red Bull Ring (Kategorie Challenger) in Austria

In figures: 10 completed races in 7 countries and on 3 continents. Another 18 races are scheduled for the remainder of 2026, with the Valleys Xtreme marking the first event in 2027.

Overall, 28 races in 18 countries across 5 continents are currently part of the Hard Enduro World Ranking! Registration remains open for 2026, and we expect many more events to join to benefit from the significant advantages.

As of April, riders will have at least 19 more opportunities in 2026 to collect points in the Hard Enduro World Ranking and, with strong results, compete for the prize money in the globally unique record amount of US$ 100,000. Please note that only a rider’s best 8 results per calendar year count.

Ongoing Website Optimization

The Hard Enduro World Ranking is still young. Officially launched in February, optimizations are being identified and implemented across all areas. Initial improvements have already been made to the presentation of events and the ranking table. The “Season Ranking” now features a significantly improved table display, and clicking on a rider shows their individual results. Example with Manuel Lettenbichler: 2 Premier Events (Alestrem and XL Lagares), country flags, placements, and the corresponding points per event. In the coming weeks, we will continue to roll out further enhancements such as search and filter functions.

First Supreme Event – Red Bull Erzbergrodeo

Next races on the calendar:

  1. Locked-n-loaded Hard Scramble – USA (23 & 24 May 2026, Premier category)

  2. Red Bull Erzbergrodeo (4–7 June 2026) → Supreme category! For the 30th edition of the legendary and most prestigious one-day event, riders will have the chance to score 2,000 points for first place for the first time.

Brazil Calling: Minas Riders is back!

Another notable addition comes from Brazil: Under the direction of the Red Bull Romaniacs team led by Martin Freinademetz, the Minas Riders Hard Enduro Rally with Romaniacs DNA is being organized. Date: 29.09.–03.10.2026 | Category: Premier

Registration opens 19.05.2026: www.minasriders.com 

Hard Enduro World Ranking Working Group in Preparation

Hard Enduro is a complex sport. To sustainably harness and further develop the enormous potential of our sport, constructive dialogue and coordination among all stakeholders are essential. Therefore, in the coming weeks, the Hard Enduro World Ranking will establish a working group in which representatives of the riders, manufacturers, associated industry, event organizers, and the media will come together to discuss key topics and reach agreements.

Initially, committed contacts nominated by the Hard Enduro World Ranking will be invited. These will later be replaced by elected representatives. Detailed information on this will be announced in one of the upcoming press releases.

Hard Enduro World Ranking Top 10

(Standings after 10 races)

  1. Manuel Lettenbichler (D, KTM) 2.400

  2. Mario Román (E, Husqvarna) 1.900

  3. Teodor Kabakchiev (BG, Sherco) 1.680

  4. Billy Bolt (UK, Husqvarna) 1.620

  5. Mitch Brightmore (UK, GASGAS)  1.560

  6. Wade Young (ZA, KTM) 1.164

  7. Ashton Brightmore (UK, GASGAS) 1.080

  8. Matthew Green (ZA, KTM) 1.035

  9. James Moore (ZA, Beta) 951

  10. Radford Chugg (GBR) 927

Full list: https://www.enduroworldranking.com/season-ranking  

Photos © KTM Library 


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