DIRT NEWS
ROMANIACS WRAPPED
Germany ’ s Manuel Lettenbichler secured his fourth overall victory at Red Bull Romaniacs during the 20th edition of the iconic Romanian hard enduro . As the FIM World Hard Enduro Championship reaches its mid-way point , Red Bull KTM Factory Racing ’ s Manuel Lettenbichler has stormed ahead in the points standings after taking his third straight victory in a row for the 2023 season . The German easily powered clear of the field to win round three of the 2023 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship season , often looking untouchable as he assaulted the hills outside of the medieval Romanian city of Sibiu over the four-day event . Riders from 55 countries lined up as Lettenbichler accelerated through the gears over the first three days to open up a 58-minute lead that he never looked like relinquishing . He made a strong start on Saturday to top the opening checkpoint , then managed his pace superbly throughout the day to finish ahead of the fellow KTM bikes of Canadian Trystan Hart and Teodor Kabakchiev . “ I ’ m super stoked with how the whole week has
gone , Lettenbichler , 25 , said . “ To get my fourth Red Bull Romaniacs win and hat trick of victories in the championship this year is kind of crazy .” Ending his day sixth , Hart wrapped up his debut podium and became the first Canadian to finish in the top three of the world ’ s toughest Hard Enduro Rallye as Bulgarian rider Kabakchiev overhauled 2021 world champion Billy Bolt brilliantly late on to claim the final podium place . “ Red Bull Romaniacs is never easy but coming here with limited bike time and still nursing an injury added to the difficulty of it ,” Husqvarna rider Bolt , 25 , said . “ It started out great , but as the race continued it wore me down . Ultimately the goal was always to reach the finish line .” Sherco rider Wade Young finished in fifth place with Austrian Michael Walkner sixth . Young , 27 , said : “ This edition of Red Bull Romaniacs didn ’ t let up . Each day was hard , at the limit of possible . Overall I feel like I had a good week and was able to put a consistent race together .” Lettenbichler now leads Hart by 18 points overall as the 2023 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship season enters its second half with round four at Red Bull Outliers , Canada on
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