Navigation, falls and a new champion: Roof of Africa wraps up 2025 hard enduro season

THE 2025 Hard Enduro World Championship season wrapped up in dramatic style on November 22, as the Roof of Africa delivered its trademark mix of punishing terrain, navigational surprises and a changing of the guard at the front of the field.

The three-day event in Lesotho’s Maloti Mountains served up clear, warmer weather for the final stage, with riders starting and finishing at Music Box near Roma, which also operated as the Designated Service Park. The last day demanded both stamina and sharp navigation as competitors tackled two loops filled with steep climbs, heavy descents and rocky turns that tested even the most seasoned bikers.

International entrants found the terrain as challenging as expected, but the navigation aspect proved just as decisive. Many of the South African riders, more familiar with the landscape and accustomed to the GPS requirements, managed to edge ahead in key moments as the event progressed.

In the Gold class, the focus was firmly on James Moore of Brother Leadertread KTM/Rigo Racing, who opened the stage but quickly ran into trouble. A GPS failure on his bike early in the day sent him off the correct route and cost him valuable time and track position. 

After the first loop, the front-runners pulling in at the DSP included Teodore Kabakchiev and Mario Roman of Sherco Factory Racing, with Matthew Green of F61 Racing also keeping pace near the sharp end. Billy Bolt of Husqvarna Racing and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Mani Lettenbichler were both pushing hard to close the gap and fight for podium positions. Moore, meanwhile, arrived outside the top 10, leaving his Roof title hopes at risk.

But Moore drew on his strong performance from the previous day and fought back with a determined final effort. His sixth-place finish on the day proved enough to secure the overall victory, earning him the 2025 Roof of Africa title. It comes shortly after being crowned Junior Hard Enduro World Champion, marking a breakthrough year for the young rider.

Lettenbichler finished the stage in second place, a result that sealed his Hard Enduro World Championship season victory. Bolt claimed the final stage win, Roman completed the day in third, while Kabakchiev’s challenge ended after a heavy fall on a waterfall climb. 

Mitch Brightmore delivered a steady ride for fifth, narrowly behind Green in fourth. Sandra Gomez took home the Top Performing Woman accolade for the HEWC.

Event director Ross Whitehead reflected on the week with clear appreciation for everyone involved. “What a phenomenal week! As the 2025 Roof of Africa concludes, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to its success.” He added: “Thank you to all the dedicated participants for tackling the Maloti Mountains with such heart.”

Whitehead also highlighted the backing that makes the event possible. “A huge thank you also goes to our invaluable partners like LORA, Lesotho Tourism and ISSC, and all our sponsors, including FNB Lesotho, LNDC, ZMG ISUZU, Plews Tyres, Avani, Starlink by T-Connect, Beta South Africa, NPL, Lizzard, Econet, MGC, Maluti, Tib Insurance, Sox, XCO and Bandit Graffix. 

“And of course, a special shout-out to our fuel partner Trademore Sherco and the ever-popular Motul Bike Wash for keeping the machines running and shining. We couldn't have done it without you all!”

2025 HEWC Series Final Podium:

1. Mani Lettenbichler, (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
2. Billy Bolt, (Husqvarna Racing)
3. Mitch Brightmoore, (X-Grip Racing on GasGas) 

2025 Roof of Africa Overall Top 5 (Gold Class):

1. James Moore, (Brother Leadertread KTM/Rigo Racing)
2. Mani Lettenbichler, (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
3. Billy Bolt, (Husqvarna Racing)
4. Mario Roman, (Sherco Factory Team)
5. Mitch Brightmoore, (X-Grip Racing on GasGas)

Top Performing Woman in HEWC 

1. Sandra Gomez (Gomez Racing Team)

Final Results Across All Classes

The spirit of Hard Enduro was on full display with brilliant riding from all classes. The final overall results for the supporting classes are as follows:

Silver 2025 Roof of Africa Overall Top 5:

1. Grant Burton-Durham (Beta Racing South Africa)
2. Branden Swanepoel (Trademore Sherco)
3. Matthew Burger (KTM)
4. Barend JL Du Toit (KTM)
5. Charan Moore (Triumph Racing)

Bronze 2025 Roof of Africa Overall Top 5:

1. Stiaan van Den Heever (KTM)
2. Geoff Patterson (KTM)
3. Jamie Wilson (KTM)
4. Michael Morris (Sherco)
5. Altus de Wet (Altie Create KTM)

Iron 2025 Roof of Africa Overall Top 5:

1. Gideon Malherbe (Sherco)
2. Ian Rall (Brother Leadertread KTM)
3. Seamus Mcarthy (Beta)
4. Tom Classen (KTM)
5. Zane Do Amaral (KTM)