It’s Hard Enduro World Championship race week in Turkey at one of the world’s most enjoyable races, the Sea to Sky – Mani Lettenbichler leads the way as Billy Bolt returns to racing.

The 2024 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship returns this week for the penultimate round in Turkey at the Sea To Sky. A longstanding race on the hard enduro calendar, this year’s 15th edition of what’s fondly dubbed as ‘the world’s most enjoyable hard enduro race’ will mark its first time in the FIM HEWC series.

Sun, sea and hard enduro

Held in the tourist region of the Turkish Riviera in Kemer, the Sea to Sky is a favourite among riders for its relaxed atmosphere, location and some spectacular riding scenery.

The three-day race format begin on Thursday with the traditional Beach Race – although don’t think sand and surf, this pebble beach is a GoPro’s nightmare. The beach race is fun, can get hectic and as such is literally pointless.

Friday marks the first race day proper with the Forest Race, a 45-kilometre time trial, acting as a points-paying race with qualifying points on offer.

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The Mountain Race is the final day of racing on Saturday October 12, with riders starting in groups on the shoreline of the Mediterranean Sea before racing head-to-head to the finish line located on the summit of the nearby Olympos Mountain, some 2,365m above sea level.

It takes in an epic amount of scenery and is partly what makes this race such a favourite. Riders head from the beach through canyon riverbeds, forest tracks and finally up to rocky mountain peaks on a 65-kilometre course.

Lettenbichler heads championship 

Round six of seven in Turkey will be a crucial one for riders like Wade Young, Mario Roman and Teo Kabakchiev with their title aspirations. Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler holds a nine-point lead over Red Bull Leader Tread’s Wade Young. Despite missing round three due to injury, the German has won every other round contested and, frankly, on current form will take some holding onto.

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As a favourite but non-championship race however, Sea to Sky has attracted the very best riders over the years with Graham Jarvis, Mario Roman and three-time winner (2023, 2021 and 2018) Wade Young all very experienced on the Turkish terrain.

The South African has enjoyed a strong season to date with three podium results, including a race win at round three.

16 points behind Lettenbichler in third is another former winner, Sherco Factory Racing’s Mario Roman, who in turn holds a two-point advantage over his teammate Teodor Kabakchiev in fourth.

TTR Squadra Corse’s Mitch Brightmore completes the top five. The Junior rider has been pushing hard to mix it with the best in the overall standings, fast becoming a serious contender at every round.

Bolt returns to racing

Making his long-awaited return to racing is Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt. The 2021 world champion, and 2023 vice-champion, has missed out on competition this season due to injury and will prove a welcome addition to the paddock in Kemer, as much as to the championship. Although race-rusty, Bill also has raced Sea to Sky previously and knows the going.

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FIM Hard Enduro World Championship standings (after round five)

1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 90pts

2. Wade Young (GASGAS) 81pts

3. Mario Roman (Sherco) 74pts

4. Teodor Kabakchiev (Sherco) 72pts

5. Mitch Brightmore (Husqvarna) 60pts

6. Matthew Green (KTM) 45pts

7. Francesc Moret (Sherco) 43pts

8. Alfredo Gomez (Rieju) 37pts

9. Marc Riba (KTM) 31pts

10. David Cyprian (KTM) 28pts

 

Photo Credit: Future7Media + Sea to Sky | Burhan Enduro + Alkım Saraç