Manuel Lettenbichler produced a huge comeback at the 2026 Sea to Sky, winning the penultimate round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship by more than four minutes despite starting the decisive Mountain Race from the third row.
The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider had endured an up-and-down opening two days in Kemer, including a brake issue and a 10-minute penalty in the Forest Race. But when the race headed for Mount Olympos, Mani delivered exactly when it mattered.
From P15 to the Front
Lettenbichler opened the event with fifth place in Thursday’s Beach Race, then initially finished inside the top five in Friday’s 40-kilometre Forest Race. A 10-minute time penalty dropped him to 15th, leaving him with plenty of work to do before the Mountain Race.
Despite the setback, Mani knew his pace was there. Starting Saturday from the third row, he immediately began working through the field on the 64-kilometre course and quickly moved into the battle at the front.
Lettenbichler Pulls Away from Kabakchiev
Once he caught the leaders, Lettenbichler spent time riding with Teodor Kabakchiev before beginning to open a gap. From there, he controlled the final technical sections and reached the Mount Olympos finish more than four minutes clear.
Kabakchiev secured second, while Mario Roman completed the podium just 11 seconds behind the Bulgarian. James Moore finished fourth and Mitch Brightmore fifth.
Mani: “I Needed to Get My Inner Dog Out”
Manuel Lettenbichler: “I really wanted that victory today, but I wasn’t quite sure how it would go. I felt like I needed to get my ‘inner-dog’ out and give it my all. Overall, it’s been an up-and-down event for me. Fifth in the Beach Race, but then having some brake issues in the Forest Race and getting a time penalty put me back to 15th. But throughout all of that, I knew I felt good on the bike and that I just needed to put myself into a good position early on in the Mountain Race. From the third row, I had to push hard. With a good start, I focused on working my way forward as best as I could. When I got into the lead, I rode with Teo for a bit before pulling away. I’m stoked with the win and also strengthening my position in the championship with just one round to go.”
2026 Sea to Sky – Provisional Top 5
- Manuel Lettenbichler – 3:40:01.78
- Teodor Kabakchiev – +4:00
- Mario Roman – +4:11
- James Moore – +14:26
- Mitch Brightmore – +16:21
One Round from Another World Title
The victory strengthens Lettenbichler’s championship lead to 177 points, with Mitch Brightmore second on 139 and Kabakchiev third on 124. Only the Hixpania Hard Enduro finale remains, scheduled for October 23–25 in Spain.
Mani now heads to the final round with the chance to secure a record-breaking fifth consecutive FIM Hard Enduro World Championship title and his sixth overall.
Roast Mode
Friday: brake problem, 10-minute penalty, P15. Saturday: start from the third row, pass everyone, win by four minutes. Apparently Mani decided the normal route to victory was too boring.
