The countdown is on for the 2025 Roof of Africa, “The Mother of Hard Enduro”, to conclude the 2025 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship in Lesotho on November 19 – 22.

With the 2025 Hard Enduro World Champion already crowned in Germany when Mani Lettenbichler took his fifth title at Getzenrodeo, the Maloti Mountains in Lesotho will instead see the battle for the podium places the focus of attention.

Billy Bolt having a few issues with physical fitness at the last two rounds, Sea to Sky and Getzen, meant the points gap between him and the consistent Mitch Brightmore is just two points for the current second and third placed championship rivals.

A late season charge from Mario Roman puts him in with distant but mathematical shout of a podium and he is overdue a victory – although he will also have to keep an eye on Wade Young is the South African is able to up his game this week and take maximum points for a record 10th win.

Gold Class entry list (top 20):

The Gold class line-up at this year’s Roof includes world champion Lettenbichler, Bolt, Young, Roman, Brightmore, Teodor Kabakchiev, and Alfredo Gomez, although no Graham Jarvis, sadly.

Event Schedule and Key Locations

The event schedule centres around Maseru on Day 1 and the famed Music Box race village on all 3 days.

Wednesday 19 November: Registration and Scrutineering will take place at the Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino in Maseru.

Day 1 – Thursday 20 November (Maseru City Time Trials): The action kicks off with a city parade in downtown Maseru, a convoy lap.

The parade will be followed by the Time Trials for the Silver, Bronze, and Iron classes, which will start outside of Maseru and head towards the mountains in the distance. The Gold Class Time Trial will take place later in the day around Music Box, allowing the Silver, Bronze, and Iron competitors to finish their runs and then have the opportunity to watch the Pro riders.

Day 2 – Friday 21 November (Race Day 1): Racing starts and finish at Music Box, featuring two service point (DSPs) along the route.

Day 3 – Saturday 22 November (Race Day 2): The final day also centres around Music Box, with only one DSP at the main venue as the race concludes with a podium and ceremony for all classes.

Support and apectators

The 2025 Roof of Africa is placing a strong emphasis on rider support and the spectator experience this year. Routes for all classes have been designed to offer great opportunities for fans to witness the skill required to earn a finisher's medal.

It’s true to say the vent had some serious issues in 2024 with the route planning but there’s no question they have double-down to make sure that is behind them as they welcome the world championship to Lesotho.

Routes ready

Route Director and veteran of 30 previous Roof of Africa events, Graham Maclachlan, along with Route Manager Tausten Gibbs and their route crew have spent months testing and refining the courses for the Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Iron classes.

Maclachlan confirmed that the routes are looking sensational and are designed to challenge every class appropriately, offering maximum excitement for riders and maximum viewing pleasure for spectators. “We have been hard at work, riding and testing every kilometre to ensure the quality is world-class. Crucially, we have comprehensive back-up plans in place that will kick in depending on the weather conditions, ensuring there will be good, challenging riding whether it’s a dry or a wet Roof,” he adds.

Confirmed sponsors and partners on-site activities

• Motul will provide the bike wash, allowing riders to relax while someone else teams wash and prep their machines (its not clear if this is for all competitors)
• Plews Tyres will provide a tyre changing station, and will also be sponsoring the coveted King of the Mountain jerseys
• 413 will offer emergency maintenance services throughout the duration of the event
• Lizzard will be set up with parts and equipment support for competitors
• Supermoist will feature their commemorative Kit (don’t forget their social media competition for a chance to win 3 sets of Roof kit!)
• XCO and Sox will have their stand stocked with official Roof merchandise
• Maluti Lager will be on site, keeping the thirst at bay
• NPL will be providing nutritional support for the whole weekend at start/finish points and DSP’s

Photo Credit: Future7Media + Motul