South African KTM privateer takes home-soil victory ahead of newly crowned champion Manuel Lettenbichler and Billy Bolt
James Moore took a landmark career victory at the Roof of Africa, resisting late pressure from Manuel Lettenbichler and Billy Bolt to win the season finale of the 2025 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship in Lesotho. The KTM rider’s overall time of 10:42:08 across the three-day classic delivered his maiden HEWC triumph on home soil.
Lettenbichler, already crowned 2025 world champion before the finale, finished second overall at the Roof after a mixed opening two days—second in Thursday’s Time Trial and 10th on Friday—before surging back to place second on Saturday and claim the event runner-up by 1:52. Bolt completed the podium in third, rebounding from a tough day two with a decisive day-three win that sealed second overall in the championship.
Bolt had set the tone early by winning the Thursday prologue/time trial to bank three vital points and protect his narrow advantage over Mitch Brightmore in the title fight for runner-up. An early start and tricky navigation cost him time on day two, but he stormed through the field on Saturday aboard his Husqvarna TE 300 to take the final day and clinch third overall at the Roof—and with it, the series silver medal.
Lettenbichler’s Lesotho result wrapped another dominant campaign for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing star, who defended his crown to become a five-time FIM Hard Enduro World Champion. Moore’s victory, meanwhile, provided the upset of the weekend, as he held firm while the title protagonists battled behind.
Bolt will now turn his attention to SuperEnduro on December 13 in Gliwice, Poland, where he’ll be shooting for a record-equalling sixth consecutive title.
James Moore:
“Winning the Roof of Africa feels surreal. This race has been a childhood dream of mine ever since I first started riding and to finally stand on top of the podium is something I’ve imagined for years. I had to fight for it all the way to the finish and that battle is exactly what made this victory so special. I’m so grateful for the support from my team, my family and everyone who has supported me over the years. This is a moment I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life”
Manuel Lettenbichler:
“The first two days here at Roof of Africa were pretty mixed… I knew I needed to make up time on the final day. It’s cool to finish the season at a great race and of course it felt good coming into this with the world title already wrapped up.”
Billy Bolt:
“Overall I’m pleased with how I rode and I’m really happy to have secured second in the championship… I knew for the final day I would have to push hard early on, so I did my best to go for it… Overall, I’m satisfied with my season and pleased to have secured second.”
Roof of Africa – provisional results
- James Moore (KTM) 10:42:08
- Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 10:44:00 (+1:52)
- Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 10:48:00 (+5:52)
- Mario Roman (Sherco) 10:49:01
- Mitch Brightmore (GASGAS) 10:50:17
Final championship standings (after 7 of 7 rounds)
- Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 199 pts
- Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 153 pts
- Mitch Brightmore (GASGAS) 142 pts
- Mario Roman (Sherco) 131 pts
- Wade Young (GASGAS) 97 pts
