Manuel Lettenbichler – Young German Leads The Way As WESS Heads To Round Four

With the World Enduro Super Series heading to Spain’s Hixpania Hard Enduro for round four, Germany’s Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) is the rider sitting at the top of the championship standings.

Leading the way in the race to become this year’s ULTIMATE ENDURO CHAMPION, the privateer rider has had a stellar start to the series. Two podium results from three events, plus an impressive 14th at France’s Trèfle Lozérien AMV, has rewarded the likeable 21-year-old with a 190-point advantage over his closest rivals.

Taking things one race at a time, the KTM rider believes it’s his ‘have fun’ approach and tight team bond that’s helping to deliver the results. Continuing to work hard at improving his overall speed, he also feels that a debut WESS victory is just around the corner…

Leading The World Enduro Super Series Three Rounds In

“It’s awesome to be in this position so soon in the championship. I wanted to be pushing at the front, but I didn’t really expect it to happen already. It’s cool and while it means that things are obviously going good, I’m not getting too hung up on it. We’re only just getting into round four so there’s a long way to go. What I’m trying to do is focus on one race at a time, give my best there and then move on to the next one. I feel like that’s working – I’ve had two podiums and a strong ride at Trèfle Lozérien AMV, so now it’s time to push hard in Spain and give my best again.”

Racing Hixpania Hard Enduro For The First Time

“This is my first time racing at Hixpania Hard Enduro. I’m looking forward to it and while a lot of the guys have raced it before, I’m hoping I won’t be at too much of a disadvantage – but it is what it is, and I can’t change that. One thing different for everyone is that it’s now a summer race and not a winter one, so the dirt and temperature will be new for everyone. The format looks good, a cool prologue and then a tough Cross-Country style race on Saturday. Sunday’s multi-lap format is something I haven’t much experience in for Hard Enduro, so it will be interesting to see how that goes. Depending on traffic late in the race I think it will be a close battle the whole way.”

Loving The Privateer Life

“I really love the setup I have now and believe it fits me perfectly. We’re a small crew, but a really tight one – it’s mostly my Dad, my friend Tobi and myself at each round. My father has been around for a long time in this sport, so having him in my corner is amazing. But overall, we work well together and everyone knows exactly what needs to be done. I think that’s what I love about Enduro, you don’t need a huge team to make it happen, just the right people. However, I need to say thanks to KTM for helping out – they let us pit under their awning at the first two rounds and it was a huge help.”

Having Fun Is So Important

“I feel lucky to do the job I have. It was always my dream to race professionally and now here I am getting to live that dream – it’s crazy! Of course, when the time comes you need to be serious and focused, but outside of that it’s super important to have a smile on your face. If you’re happy and laughing then the job is easier because the riding is fun. And I know that when I’m having fun that I’m riding good, so the results will come, too.”

Always Working Hard To Get Faster

“I think what I improved on the most last year was my overall speed. I had the technical skills but lacked pace on the fast stuff. I didn’t race SuperEnduro during the last winter, so that I could work on that. Following my results at Trèfle Lozérien AMV I feel that I’ve stepped things up. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do at Hawkstone Park Cross-Country and the BR2 Enduro Solsona later in the year. Overall, I feel like I’ve got faster too and moved another step forward with my riding. That’s basically all I’m trying to do at the moment – improve little by little and the results will come. I want to win too, but I don’t think you can rush it either. That’s how you make mistakes. But I know I’ll get there because I don’t want to be the guy leading the championship and not winning races!”

The World Enduro Super Series continues this weekend with Spain’s Hixpania Hard Enduro on June 21-23.

Hixpania Hard Enduro Fast Facts
350: Competitors entered for fourth edition of Hixpania Hard Enduro
190: Manuel Lettenbichler holds a 190-point lead over Mario Roman
50: Length in kilometres of Saturday’s Campoo X-treme course
3: Number of past winners of Hixpania Hard Enduro

2019 Hixpania Hard Enduro Schedule
June 20: Hixpania Village opens
June 21: SuperEncierro Prologue 17.00h – 20.30h
June 22: Campoo X-treme
June 23: MITAS El Camino Perdido 11.00h – 14.15h

Hixpania Village open throughout race weekend

2018 Hixpania Hard Enduro Podium
1. Mario Roman (Sherco) 2. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) 3. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna)

Hixpania Hard Enduro Past Winners
2018: Mario Roman (Sherco)
2017: Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna)
2016: Alfredo Gomez (KTM)

World Enduro Super Series Standings (after round 3 of 8) 
1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 1960 points
2. Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 1770 pts
3. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GBR) 1690 pts
4. Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 1665 pts
5. Jonny Walker (KTM – GBR) 1520 pts
6. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GBR) 1465 pts
7. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 1464 pts
8. Wade Young (Sherco – RSA) 1460 pts
9. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 1370 pts
10. Nathan Watson (KTM – GBR) 1271 pts

Photo credit: Future7Media