Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler has been crowned the 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Champion. Mani delivered a strong runner-up performance at the final round of the series, Hixpania Hard Enduro, in Spain. The German secured not only his sixth world championship title, but his fifth consecutive Hard Enduro World Championship crown.

Lettenbichler began the weekend with fifth place in Friday’s SuperEncierro race, a result that was enough to decide the championship and secure the world title ahead of the final two days of the season. The KTM 300 EXC racer then continued his strong form in Saturday’s Campoo Xtreme race, fighting at the front to finish second, just 3.5 seconds behind the winner after more than an hour of racing.

Sunday’s Lost Road main race saw Lettenbichler battle closely with home favorite Mario Román (Husqvarna) throughout the demanding event. Pushing hard from start to finish, the KTM rider ultimately crossed the line in second place, rounding out his weekend with another podium and further underlining his consistency across the 2026 season.

The Hixpania result capped off another exceptional campaign for Lettenbichler, who claimed his fifth consecutive FIM Hard Enduro World Championship title. With multiple victories throughout the season, including wins at Alestrem, Extreme XL Lagares, Forza Orza, Abestone Hard Enduro and Sea to Sky, the German once again demonstrated his speed and consistency across a demanding championship calendar.

Manuel Lettenbichler: “Honestly, it feels surreal to be world champion again. To secure the 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship is an incredible feeling, and I’m super stoked to have clinched my sixth world title and fifth consecutive championship. I didn’t expect to get it done on Friday, as I thought it would come down to the final race, so it was a really nice surprise. It was the last race of the season, and we finished second today after an awesome battle with Mario Román. He was riding unbelievably well, so congratulations to him. I’m really happy with my riding, I gave it everything I had and pushed hard until the end. The fans were amazing, too, and the atmosphere was incredible. Hixpania definitely delivered this year, and it was a great way to finish the season.”

Fabio Farioli – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “We’re really happy to secure another world title with Mani. Congratulations to him, the whole team, and everyone at KTM. This championship is the result of a huge amount of hard work and commitment from everyone involved. We’re constantly working to give our riders the best possible package, so it’s great to see that effort rewarded with another title. Mani has ridden a really smart championship this year. Even when a win wasn’t possible, he focused on scoring as many points as he could and making the most of every opportunity. That consistency has paid off, and he’s shown once again what it takes to become world champion. We’re incredibly proud of him and the entire team.”

Provisional Results – 2026 Hixpania Hard Enduro1. Mario Roman (ESP), Husqvarna, 2:11:182. Manuel Lettenbichler (GER), KTM, 2:12:19 +1:003. Billy Bolt (GBR), Husqvarna, 2:16:45 +5:264. Mitch Brightmore (GBR), GASGAS, 2:20:33 +9:155. James Moore (RSA), Beta, 2:21:59 +10:41
Provisional Standings – 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship (after 8 of 8 rounds)1. Manuel Lettenbichler (GER), KTM, 223 pts2. Mitch Brightmore (GBR), GASGAS, 183 pts3. Teodor Kabakchiev (BUL), Sherco, 149 pts4. Ashton Brightmore (GBR), GASGAS, 143 pts5. James Moore (RSA), Beta, 138 pts