X-GRIP Racing Team Shines at Sea to Sky: Brightmore Secures Podium, Rudolf Fights to the Finish

The fifth round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship took the X-GRIP Racing Team to the spectacular Sea to Sky event in Kemer, Turkey. Starting directly from the golden beach of Kemer, the multi-day race led riders from sea level to the 2,365-metre summit of Mount Tahtali, testing endurance, precision, and willpower like no other.

Representing X-GRIP, Mitch Brightmore and Dieter “Didi” Rudolf took on the Turkish challenge, determined to deliver strong results across the unique three-day format: Beach Race, Forest Race, and the legendary Mountain Race.

Beach Race – Bright Start in the Sand

Thursday’s opening Beach Race offered a fast and spectacular start to the weekend. Riders first had to set a hot lap in the Turkish sand to qualify for the evening final.

Despite a small crash on his first attempt, Mitch Brightmore rebounded quickly to post the second-fastest lap, advancing comfortably through the heats. In the six-lap final, packed with jumps, water crossings, and tight turns, Mitch rode with precision and control to secure an impressive 2nd place, setting the tone for the days ahead.

Austrian teammate Dieter Rudolf showed solid pace in qualifying, finishing 18th and advancing to the next round. Although he narrowly missed the cut for the final and placed 16th overall, Didi’s consistency earned him a valuable position heading into day two.

Forest Race – Brightmore on the Attack

Friday’s Forest Race presented 45 kilometers of punishing terrain — slick rocks, steep climbs, and treacherous riverbeds hidden beneath the pine trees of the Antalya province.

Series leader Manuel Lettenbichler controlled the pace out front, while Brightmore engaged in a fierce head-to-head battle for the podium throughout the day. Despite slippery ground caused by recent rain, the young Brit showed remarkable determination and secured 3rd place at the finish — a result that earned him a front-row start for the Mountain Race.

For Rudolf, conditions were far from easy. The combination of slick stones and persistent back pain made it hard to find rhythm, but the Austrian veteran fought through to the end. His perseverance was rewarded with 19th place, securing him a start in the first group for Saturday’s grand finale.

Mountain Race – To the Summit of Mount Tahtali

The final day — the Mountain Race — took riders from the beach to the sky, across 14 brutal checkpoints featuring rock gardens, water crossings, and steep mountain passes.

Both X-GRIP riders launched well from the start. Rudolf ran inside the top ten through the early sections before a navigation error cost him valuable time. Determined to recover, he rejoined the course and pushed to his limits, fighting through cramps and exhaustion to cross the finish line in a hard-fought 16th place.

Meanwhile, Brightmore delivered one of his most complete rides of the season. Starting from third position, he maintained a relentless pace and showed impressive composure through the technical climbs. Despite losing time in a duel with Billy Bolt and facing navigation challenges due to colour blindness, Mitch kept control of his race. After nearly four hours of intense riding, he reached the summit in 3rd place overall, claiming another podium finish for X-GRIP Racing Team.

Team Effort Behind the Results

For both riders, the Sea to Sky 2025 was a true test of endurance and teamwork. Brightmore’s podium and Rudolf’s top-20 finish underscored the strength, unity, and professionalism that define the X-GRIP Racing Team.

Every result was made possible by the meticulous work and dedication of the entire crew — mechanics, support staff, and partners — who continue to prove that success in Hard Enduro is built on passion, precision, and teamwork.

Results – Sea to Sky 2025 (Top 5)

1. Manuel Lettenbichler (GER) – KTM – 3:49:24
2. Mario Roman (ESP) – Sherco – 3:55:12
3. Mitch Brightmore (GBR) – GASGAS / X-GRIP Racing – 4:02:41
4. Wade Young (RSA) – GASGAS – 4:20:33
5. Graham Jarvis (GBR) – KTM – 4:23:20
6. Dieter Rudolf (AUT) – GASGAS / X-GRIP Racing – 5:10:55