Over 10,000 fans once again flocked to Grießbach this year to experience the spectacle of the 24MX GetzenRodeo up close. Despite initially poor weather forecasts predicting rain and storms, Saturday turned out to feature typical GetzenRodeo conditions: a mix of sun and clouds, with only a few heavier raindrops falling toward the end of the race. The track proved better than expected, and the grip conditions were excellent despite the abundant mud.

One rider, however, was undeterred: Manuel Lettenbichler rode over all roots and rocks as if on rails. Right from the start of the GetzenRace, which was started in rows of six, he pulled away and dominated the preliminary heat at will. His closest challengers were Mitch Brightmore and Mario Roman. Roman gradually closed the gap on his Sherco and eventually overtook Brightmore, who had initially been in second place.

For Billy Bolt, the day did not go as planned. Similar to two weeks ago at the Sea to Sky, despite his spectacular riding style, nothing seemed to click, and he ultimately finished 11th.

In addition to Lettenbichler, Felix Bähker also secured a place in the final – meaning two German riders competed for the win.

The final turned into another masterclass from Manuel Lettenbichler. Cheered on by thousands of fans, he rode the track like no other. Only Mario Roman managed to avoid being lapped by the KTM factory rider; Roman finished second. Billy Bolt improved with spectacular lines to third place, but could not prevent Lettenbichler from becoming FIM Hard Enduro World Champion for the fifth time – already before the finale at the Roof of Africa in Lesotho.

Lettenbichler after the race:

„I really wanted to win this race and didn’t even think about the championship, but it was crazy to take everything here. The crowd was incredible, I’m speechless. I think I gave my best today, and a big thank you to my team. Securing the world championship a round before the finale is simply fantastic.“

Mario Roman also expressed his satisfaction:

„I’m very happy, thanks to everyone, especially the fans here in Germany! This is such a great event, and I’m proud to stand on the podium for the fourth time. It feels very special, and the track was far from easy again – certainly one of the toughest of the year. You can’t afford mistakes.“

Billy Bolt did not have a perfect day but praised the GetzenRodeo e.V.:

„This wasn’t my best race. In the first race I had some problems, which I could reduce in the second race, but not enough. Third place isn’t where I want to be, but congratulations to the two ahead of me and especially to Mani, who became world champion again. The atmosphere here is unique, the fans can follow everything, and it’s simply a great race. I hope we can continue to develop the sport, just as GetzenRodeo does. Respect to the organizers, they put on a fantastic event.“

For the Junior World Championship, the finale in Grießbach saw James Moore secure the title with 9th place. Felix Bähker finished second in the Junior World Championship, meaning two German riders will celebrate in the festival tent tonight.

Fans came not only for the world-class stars but also for the local riders. As the best Saxon, Marcel Teucher (Zwönitz) performed strongly, finishing 36th. At his home race, he signed many autographs and also praised the fans and organizers: „It was an incredible event. Falko Haase and his team did an amazing job and made the track even tougher again. I hope all the fans enjoyed it too.“

Other regional riders also delivered solid performances: Felix Bopp (Weißenborn) 38, Kenny Lötzsch (Drebach) 49, David Loose (Chemnitz) 52, Pascal Sadecki (Zschopau) 53, Raven Lippold (Schlettau) 55, Hannes Rätze 56, Lukas Jung (Schwarzenberg) 58, and Emil Kessler (Plauen) 64 all held their own in the field.

The organizing club also drew a positive conclusion after the races: despite increasing organizational challenges beforehand, both riders and fans thanked the team for yet another spectacular GetzenRodeo.

Photos: DG Design/Denis Günther