Despite running away with the Hard Enduro championship , injury is set to scupper any hope of another perfect season for German rider Manuel Lettenbichler who was forced out of the Xross Hard Enduro Rally in Serbia due to injury . The Red Bull KTM rider suffered an injury to his left knee while training in Tuscany , Italy . The reigning FIM Hard Enduro World Champion is scheduled to undergo surgery to repair the damage just days before the third round of the world championship . Following his dominant victory at the iconic Red Bull Erzbergrodeo , Lettenbichler was training on his KTM 300 EXC in preparation for the next round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship when he was forced to put his foot down to steady the bike . The action twisted his left knee , which resulted in a meniscus tear . “ Obviously , this is a setback for Mani and one that comes at the worst possible time , during one of the busiest periods of the year ”, said Fabio Farioli – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Enduro Team Manager . “ Mani has undoubtedly shown his class this season , maintaining his unbeaten record from last year and proving he really is a level above the competition in hard enduro . While this injury means he will miss the upcoming Xross Hard Enduro Rally , we hope to see him back on the bike and winning again as soon as possible . It goes without saying that the whole team wishes Mani all the best with his recovery .” Lettenbichler hopes to be fit to return to action at the fourth round of the championship , Red Bull Romaniacs , held in Romania from July 23-27 .