The X-GRIP Racing Team leaves Abestone with another strong FIM Hard Enduro World Championship weekend in the books.
Mitch Brightmore claimed second place in Sunday’s Gold Final and strengthened his position as the closest challenger to championship leader Manuel Lettenbichler, while younger brother Ashton Brightmore fought back from a difficult start to retain the lead of the Junior World Championship.
Round five of the 2026 season took the riders high into Val di Luce above Abetone, where dry rock, roots, streams and long climbs created another demanding Hard Enduro test.
Both Brightmores Inside the Top Five in Qualification
Saturday opened with the single-lap Qualification, which also counted as the points-paying Prologue. With only one attempt available, there was no room for mistakes.
Mitch set the fourth-fastest time aboard his GASGAS, missing third place by just 0.15 seconds, while Ashton followed directly behind in fifth. Two X-GRIP riders inside the top five was a strong way to begin the weekend.
Ashton on the Sprint Podium
The riders then moved into the Gold Sprint Race, with loose scree, large boulders and technical sections making the three-lap contest anything but straightforward. Mitch struggled to find the best lines early in the race and lost valuable time, but fought back to finish fourth.
Ashton adapted much quicker.The young Brit put together a controlled ride to secure third overall, adding another podium to his Junior World Championship campaign.
Holeshot and P2 for Mitch on Sunday
Sunday brought the main event: two hours plus one additional lap. Mitch made the perfect start and grabbed the holeshot, initially leading the Gold field.Manuel Lettenbichler moved ahead during the opening lap, but Brightmore remained his closest challenger.
After the difficulties of Saturday, Mitch found a much better rhythm in the Final. Fewer mistakes, improved line choice and a controlled pace allowed him to remain firmly in second as the course deteriorated. After six laps and more than two hours of racing, Brightmore crossed the line in second place. Only five Gold riders managed to complete the full six-lap distance. It was already Mitch’s fourth podium from the first five HEWC rounds.
Ashton Recovers From P10
Ashton’s Sunday began much more difficultly. After struggling to settle into the race, he lost several positions and dropped as far as 10th overall. But the Junior championship leader did not stay there. Ashton steadily worked his way back through the field and, after completing five laps, recovered to finish seventh overall.
James Moore gained ground in the Junior title fight, but Ashton did enough to leave Italy still holding the championship lead.
Mitch Still Chasing Mani
Mitch collected 24 points from the Abestone weekend and remains second in the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship.
Championship Situation After Round 5
- Manuel Lettenbichler – 150 pts
- Mitch Brightmore – 126 pts
- Ashton Brightmore – 91 pts, three points from third overall
In the Junior World Championship, Ashton leads with 154 points, seven clear of James Moore on 147. With three rounds remaining, there are still 99 points available.
Next Stop: Roof of Africa
The championship now heads to Lesotho for the Roof of Africa, one of the hardest and most unpredictable races of the season. Mitch arrives with four podiums from five rounds and remains Lettenbichler’s closest challenger. For the X-GRIP Racing Team, the championship fight remains very much alive!
