Round 1 of the 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship got underway in spectacular fashion at the legendary 24MX Alestrem, with the opening S3 Xtrem Test delivering an incredibly tight battle at the top.
In one of the closest finishes of the season so far, Manuel Lettenbichler edged out rival Billy Bolt by less than half a second in a high-intensity sprint format that set the tone for the weekend.
Lettenbichler vs Bolt – A Battle Down to the Wire
The S3 Xtrem Test, known for its explosive and technical layout, saw the world’s best hard enduro riders push to the absolute limit over a short but demanding course.
Lettenbichler clocked a winning time of 13:21.25, just narrowly beating Bolt, who stopped the clock at 13:21.61.
The razor-thin margin highlights just how evenly matched the two title contenders are heading into the 2026 season.
Brightmore Impresses, Tight Fight Behind
Mitch Brightmore delivered a standout ride to secure third place with a time of 13:27.58, continuing his rise among the sport’s elite riders.
Behind him, Mario Roman finished fourth in 13:37.67, while Teodor Kabakchiev rounded out the top five with a time of 13:39.34.
The small gaps across the top five underline the intensity of competition at the highest level of hard enduro.
S3 Xtrem Test Results – 24MX Alestrem 2026
| Position | Rider | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manuel Lettenbichler | 13:21.25 |
| 2 | Billy Bolt | 13:21.61 |
| 3 | Mitch Brightmore | 13:27.58 |
| 4 | Mario Roman | 13:37.67 |
| 5 | Teodor Kabakchiev | 13:39.34 |
A Sign of Things to Come
With such a close battle between Lettenbichler and Bolt, the opening round has already set the stage for what could be an intense championship fight in 2026.
Both riders have proven they are evenly matched, and if this result is anything to go by, fans can expect more head-to-head battles throughout the season.
As the event continues at Alestrem, all eyes will be on whether Lettenbichler can maintain his advantage or if Bolt can strike back in the main race.