Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler has finished second overall at the Roof of Africa in Lesotho, bringing his 2025 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship season to a strong close at the final round of this year’s series. Arriving as the newly crowned 2025 world champion after securing the title one round early at his home race in Germany, the KTM 300 EXC rider delivered three consistent days of racing to round out another exceptional year in hard enduro.

The event opened with Thursday’s Time Trial, where Lettenbichler set the second-fastest time on the two-lap course to secure a favorable start position for Friday. Day two proved more challenging, with the German ultimately placing 10th overall on the demanding Lesotho terrain heading into Saturday’s decisive final day of racing.

Saturday saw Mani return to form, completing the grueling five-hours in second place. Less than one minute separated him from the day’s fastest rider after an intense battle across rocky climbs, riverbeds, and high-mountain passes. With overall results decided on accumulated times across all three days, the Red Bull KTM rider concluded the weekend second overall, wrapping up the Roof of Africa on a high note.

Lettenbichler’s result in Lesotho closes out another outstanding season for the German rider, who successfully defended his FIM Hard Enduro World Championship title to become a five-time world champion. Next up for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is the opening round of the 2026 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship, which takes place in Gliwice, Poland on December 13.

Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt has ended the 2025 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship as vice-champion thanks to a superb third-place finish. With the outcome of this year’s FIM HEWC set to be decided at the season-ending race in Lesotho, Billy was determined to secure the runner-up result in the championship on his TE 300.

Arriving at round seven in second position, with just one point in hand over his closest rival, Mitch Brightmore, Bolt was focused on the task ahead of him during the three-day event.

Always a favourite for prologue honours, Billy hit the ground running on the opening day of racing by claiming the win, and with it, three important championship points. Faced with a short but challenging time trial loop in the mountains, which would need to be completed twice, Billy immediately set the pace on the first timed run. Bettering his performance on the second outing, he topped the timesheets and looked forward to the two remaining days to come.

An early start for day two saw competitors set out on a five-hour-long course in the mountains. A day where navigation proved key in the Lesotho wilderness, Billy was hampered by his early starting position. Despite a strong ride, he lost some time to end his day in 13th.

Regrouping for the third and final day, Billy went all out on his TE 300 and raced his way back into podium contention. Charging his way through the field of riders in front of him, he quickly caught up to the leading group. Perfectly executing the latter stages of the race, Billy took the day three win, and with it secured third overall in this year’s Roof of Africa. As a result, he was able to confirm himself as vice-champion in the 2025 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship.

With the outdoor season now complete, the Husqvarna Factory Racing team can look forward to the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship, beginning on December 13 in Poland, where Billy will begin his bid for a record-equalling sixth consecutive world title.

Billy Bolt: “Overall I’m pleased with how I rode and I’m really happy to have secured second in the championship. The Roof of Africa is an incredible race, too. Although I know South Africa well, I’m taken aback by how spectacular this region is. I rode here before in 2016, but I don’t quite remember it, so this race, the terrain, mountains, and everything about it is special. I knew for the final day I would have to push hard early on, so I did my best to go for it. I pushed the pace, worked my way to the front, and I put myself back into podium contention. Overall, I’m satisfied with my season and pleased to have secured second. I felt the high points showed me at my best, and I managed to bring the fight to Mani more consistently, too. Now the focus is on SuperEnduro, which begins in less than three weeks. I’m looking forward to it.”

Manuel Lettenbichler: “That’s the 2025 season done! The first two days here at Roof of Africa were pretty mixed, I was second in the Time Trial and then 10th yesterday, so I knew I needed to make up time on the final day. The terrain this morning suited me a lot more and I was able to pull a bit of a gap, especially to a lot of the South African guys who did really well yesterday. After the first service check, though, it was quite technical and tiring which made it tougher. From then on, a couple of us rode to the finish together which was fun. It’s cool to finish the season at a great race and of course it felt good coming into this with the world title already wrapped up.”

Provisional Results – 2025 Roof of Africa

1. James Moore (RSA), KTM, 10:42:08

2. Manuel Lettenbichler (GER), KTM, 10:44:00 +1:52

3. Billy Bolt (GBR), Husqvarna, 10:48:00 +5:52

4. Mario Roman (ESP), Sherco, 10:49:01 +6:53

5. Mitch Brightmore (GBR), GASGAS, 10:50:17

Provisional Standings – 2025 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship

1. Manuel Lettenbichler (GER), KTM, 199pts

2. Billy Bolt (GBR), Husqvarna, 153pts

3. Mitch Brightmore (GBR), GASGAS, 142pts

4. Mario Roman (ESP), Sherco, 131pts

5. Wade Young (RSA), GASGAS, 97pts