Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Mani Lettenbichler previews their Hard Enduro World Championship season which begins next week in Serbia at the Xross Hard Enduro Rally.

You wait for a 2024 factory two-stroke all year and then two come along at once. Following the pre-season fanfare for Billy Bolt and Husqvarna yesterday, KTM has released the video preview for their factory riders Manuel Lettenbichler and Trystan Hart for the 2023 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship round one in Serbia next week.

“Better prepared”

2022 was an epic year for Mani Lettenbichler who started year in serious injury recovery mode, missed round one of the season and then came back with a bang winning the Serbia round two (Xross Hard Enduro in Serbia is round one of the 2023 HEWC season next week).

Mani went on to show blistering fitness and form with wins in Erzberg on route to the world title at Hixpania.

Lettenbichler says this year is all about having fun and trying to repeat ’22 but with better preparation: “Last year started tough – I missed the first round due to injury and came into the championship with little in the way of expectations, I just wanted to get back to racing. To then complete the season and go home with a world title was a really special moment – one that will always remind me to never give up.

“I’m definitely better prepared and that really helps my confidence, but I also have a lot more experience now, too. I might only be 25, but I already feel like an old guy in the paddock, and I think it’s that experience that helps me to overcome any unexpected challenges through each season. Anything can happen in racing, especially in hard enduro, so being able to stay focused is key, no matter what.

“The team I have working alongside me are great, and that’s really important when you are racing and traveling like we do. Everyone works so hard towards a common objective, and it feels great when it all pays off. The goal for this year is simple – go out, have some fun, and try and repeat what we did last year. Hopefully we can win the title again, but as always, my plan is to take things race by race and above all, enjoy it.”

 

Trystan Hart confirmed for all HEWC rounds

It’s the news we kinda knew already but Red Bull KTM have confirmed FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Trystan Hart will be competing in all seven rounds of the HEWC season. Trystan is the reigning AMA Hard Enduro Series Champion and despite missing multiple HEWC events last year, still finished in seventh overall, including taking the win at Red Bull TKO in Tennessee.

“I’m extremely excited for this opportunity to go and race on the world stage, to give myself a chance to become a world champion.” Says the Canadian. “I’m really thankful for KTM giving me this opportunity and I look forward to the season beginning in Serbia. Last year I was able to gain some good experience at selected rounds of the FIM Hard Enduro series, which we can now aim to build upon in 2023 with a full season.”