Hard Enduro Sea to Sky: Lettenbichler triumphed on the mountain – World Championship title within reach

On the final day of the Sea to Sky in Kemer, Turkey, Manuel Lettenbichler won the Mountain Race – the legendary climb to the summit at 2,365 metres – taking a huge step towards the title. However, following a dramatic finish, the World Championship is not yet decided.

The 64-kilometre mountain race, featuring 16 checkpoints, turned into a duel of contrasting paces. Lettenbichler got off to a flying start and set the fastest time in the first sector, whilst Mario Román finished only 16th there, trailing by around 53 seconds. The Spaniard countered impressively: in the canyon, he set the day’s fastest time and made up over 1 minute, even remaining the faster rider over long stretches. However, the race was decided where it was toughest: just before the summit. In the ‘rock garden’ and the monstrous final climb – the longest sector, where the field lost between 4 and 8 minutes – Lettenbichler struck back and crossed the finish line with a 4:11-minute lead.

Kabakchiev was disqualified following a protest

The race organisers caused quite a stir: Teo Kabakchiev was in second place on the course, 11 seconds ahead of Román, but got a wire caught in his rear wheel just before the finish. Because someone helped him remove it, the officials deemed this to be unauthorised outside assistance – he was initially given a 10-minute time penalty, but was ultimately disqualified following a protest. As a result, the Bulgarian lost all the points from the hill climb. Having seen Lettenbichler caught out in the Forest Race, the rule hit Kabakchiev all the harder this time. The chasing pack benefited from the disqualification: James Moore inherited third place, whilst Mitch Brightmore finished fourth.

A correction to the World Championship points from the Roof of Africa, combined with Kabakchiev’s disqualification, has reshuffled the World Championship standings. Lettenbichler leads with 197 points, whilst second-placed Mitch Brightmore trails by 32 points on 165. As a maximum of 33 points are up for grabs at the final in Spain, the title is not yet mathematically decided. However, only a maximum haul for Brightmore combined with a zero-point finish for Lettenbichler could still turn the outcome around. In practice, Lettenbichler needs just two points to secure the title. The Hixpania in Spain (23–25 October) will be the coronation, or – purely theoretically – the showdown.

Manuel Lettenbichler: “I was determined to win, but I wasn’t entirely sure how it would go. As I started from the third row, I had to push as hard as possible. Right from the first run, I gave it my all. When I took the lead, I rode alongside Teo Kabakchiev for a while before I was able to pull away. Teo rode incredibly well, even in the tough sections. I’m delighted with the victory and also that I’ve consolidated my position in the championship.”

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Sea to Sky, Mountain Race results:

Overall standings after 7 events: