Manuel Lettenbichler Targets Another Hard Enduro World Title in 2026

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing heads into the new season with its dominant force back at the front, as Manuel Lettenbichler prepares to defend his FIM Hard Enduro World Championship crown once again.

The German star returns for the 2026 campaign aiming to extend his reign in the sport, with a nine-round world championship ahead of him as well as two of the biggest standalone races in hard enduro: Red Bull Erzbergrodeo and Red Bull Romaniacs.

Chasing a fifth straight title

Lettenbichler will once again line up on his trusted KTM 300 EXC, with his sights firmly set on another world crown. Already a five-time world champion, Mani was once again the benchmark in 2025, claiming four race wins and two additional podium finishes on his way to another title.

His consistency, speed, and ability to deliver under pressure have made him the rider everyone else is chasing.

Strong winter form carries into the outdoor season

Over the winter, Lettenbichler also took on the 2026 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship, finishing sixth overall despite missing two of the seven rounds. It was another reminder of his versatility and race sharpness heading into the outdoor campaign.

Now, with the hard enduro season ready to begin, the KTM rider looks fully focused on the job ahead.

A packed 2026 schedule

The 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship begins with Alestrem in France from April 17-19, before moving through rounds in Portugal, the USA, Italy, Sweden, and Italy again, followed by Lesotho, and concluding with back-to-back races in Turkey and Spain in October.

Alongside the championship, Lettenbichler will also target success at two of the sport’s most iconic events:

• Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, where he is chasing a fifth consecutive win
• Red Bull Romaniacs, where he will be aiming for a third straight victory and the sixth win of his career

Lettenbichler ready to go

“I’m feeling great coming into the 2026 Hard Enduro season, and to kick off with Alestrem is awesome, as it’s a race I’ve really enjoyed in the past. I’ve been really focused on my training over the past few weeks, and I am ready to get the outdoor season underway. It’s going to be an interesting and busy season with a nine-round world championship, as well as Romaniacs and Erzberg, so it’s an exciting year for the sport for sure. I’ve got my sights set on the title again, so I’ll give it my all from the first race to make that happen. I have a great team behind me and the bike is perfect, so I can’t wait to get started!”

Manuel Lettenbichler

KTM confident heading into 2026

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Enduro Team Manager Fabio Farioli also made it clear that expectations remain high.

“We’re going into 2026 in a really good place with Mani. Over the last few seasons he’s shown again and again that he’s the best in hard enduro, not just with his speed but also his consistency and mindset in the toughest races. Last year was another strong one for him, and after a busy winter in SuperEnduro, he’s coming into this season well prepared and motivated. The goal is clear: to fight for the title again. With Mani and the whole team behind him, we’re confident we can be competitive everywhere, both in the championship and at the big races like Erzberg and Romaniacs.”

Fabio Farioli

Another big season ahead

With the number one plate still on his bike, a packed calendar ahead, and major targets both inside and outside the world championship, Lettenbichler enters 2026 exactly where he has been for the last few years: as the man to beat.