Lettenbichler Dominates FIM
Hard Enduro In Serbia
T
he FIM Hard Enduro World
Championship headed to Ser-
bia, May 18-22, for the second
stop of the eight-round series,
where Manuel Lettenbichler an-
nounced his return from a knee
injury with a resounding win at
the FIM Xross Hard Enduro Rally.
The German triumphed in the
three-day event, finishing ahead
of Bulgarian rider Teodor Kabak-
chiev, in what was a first-ever
podium finish for the latter. It also
marked a historic finish for Ka-
bakchiev's home country, as he
is the first-ever Bulgarian to finish
on the FIM Hard Enduro podium.
Third place went to a familiar
face, Husqvarna's Graham Jar-
vis. The veteran rounded out the
overall podium and moved into
the championship points lead, in
a tie with opening-round winner
Billy Bolt.
After two solid days of racing in
Serbia, the outcome of the Xross
Hard Enduro came down to the
final day. Lettenbichler came into
day three with the lead after an
outstanding day two, carrying
an eight-minute advantage in the
final stretch.
Off to a flying start, the Ger-
man topped the time sheets on
the first special. It was a close
battle in the near-two-hour stage,
but Letti managed to put another
three minutes on his closest
rival in the overall. Sherco Fac-
tory Racing's Wade Young took
second with Bolt third quick-
est. Although losing ground to
Lettenbichler, Kabakchiev pulled
time on Jarvis to strengthen his
position in second overall.
IN
THE
WIND
P48
KTM's Manuel Lettenbichler
celebrates a dominant
performance at the Xross
Hard Enduro Rally, round two
of the FIM Hard
Enduro World
Championship.
PHOTOS: RED BULL
CONTENT POOL
