Hard enduro Sea to Sky 2026: Lettenbichler wins, Kabakchiev out
The newsroomUpdated on October 12, 20263 minManuel Lettenbichler (KTM) wins Sea to Sky in Turkey and Teodor Kabakchiev is disqualified: the hard enduro world title can be settled at Hixpania.
Key point
Manuel Lettenbichler won the 2026 Sea to Sky Mountain Race and leads Mitch Brightmore by 197 points to 165; the hard enduro world title can be decided at Hixpania on 23–25 October.
Sea to Sky 2026 has delivered its verdict in Kemer, Turkey: Manuel Lettenbichler (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) won the Mountain Race, the decisive stage of this round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, and moved close to the title. Bulgaria's Teodor Kabakchiev, for a time second, was disqualified after a protest.
A comeback from 15th
Friday had gone wrong for Lettenbichler: a brake problem and a 10-minute penalty dropped him to 15th, after fifth place in the Beach Race. Starting the Mountain Race from the third row, he worked his way to the front, rode with Kabakchiev for a while, then pulled away in the most technical sections.
The Mountain Race covers 64 km with 16 checkpoints and ends at the summit of Mount Olympos, at 2365 m. Lettenbichler crossed the line 4 min 11 s ahead of Mario Román (Husqvarna), who also started well back and recovered after several duels with James Moore.
Kabakchiev disqualified after a protest
Kabakchiev was second on the course, 11 seconds ahead of Román, when a wire caught in his rear wheel just before the finish. Someone helped him remove it, and the officials ruled it unauthorised outside assistance. A 10-minute penalty came first, then disqualification after a protest, with the loss of all Mountain Race points, according to SPEEDWEEK.
James Moore inherits third place and Mitch Brightmore finishes fourth. The first provisional results, such as the one published by MX Vice, still had Kabakchiev second and are now out of date.
The title will be settled in Spain
After a correction to the Roof of Africa points and Kabakchiev's disqualification, the standings have been reshuffled:
- Manuel Lettenbichler: 197 points
- Mitch Brightmore: 165 points, 32 behind
A maximum of 33 points remain at Hixpania Hard Enduro in Spain on 23–25 October. Mathematically the title is not yet won: it would take a perfect round for Brightmore and zero points for Lettenbichler. In practice, SPEEDWEEK says he needs just 2 points.
The editorial team will follow the final round of the hard enduro season.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Sea to Sky 2026?
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) won the Mountain Race in Turkey; Mario Román finished second, 4 min 11 s behind.
Why was Teodor Kabakchiev excluded?
A wire caught in his rear wheel just before the finish and he received outside help, ruled unauthorised: a 10-minute penalty, then disqualification after a protest, according to SPEEDWEEK.
When can the world title be decided?
At the final round, Hixpania Hard Enduro in Spain on 23–25 October; Lettenbichler needs only 2 points.
Sources
- SPEEDWEEK — Lettenbichler triumphs on the mountain, Kabakchiev disqualified
- Enduro21 — Lettenbichler wins the Sea to Sky Mountain Race
- MX Vice — Dominant victory for Lettenbichler at Sea to Sky
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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