The Alestrem Hard Enduro main event proved to be a demanding and unpredictable contest. Bolt made a strong start and led early on lap one, before struggling with his pace through the opening stages. As heavy rain hit midway through the race, conditions rapidly deteriorated, transforming the course into a far more technical and slippery challenge. Adapting well to the changing conditions, Billy pushed hard to regain ground and rejoin the battle at the front. However, with the race ultimately shortened by one lap due to the worsening conditions and time constraints, he crossed the line in second place after a closely fought contest.
Despite narrowly missing out on the win, Bolt’s prologue victory combined with his runner-up main event finish sees him leave France at the top of the 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship standings, holding a one-point lead after round one. The series continues at Extreme Lagares in Portugal from May 1-3.
Billy Bolt: “It was a pretty chaotic race and not an easy one to manage. I didn’t feel completely comfortable with the pace on the first lap, and Mani was riding really well, so I had to work hard to stay in the fight. Once the rain came, it changed everything. It made the track a lot more technical and slippery, which suited me better and allowed me to focus on riding clean and finding a good rhythm. On the final lap, I was pushing to get back to the front and felt like there was still more to come, but with the race being shortened, that opportunity was taken away a bit. Still, second place and the prologue win means we leave here leading the championship, which is a solid way to start the season. The atmosphere was incredible all weekend. The fans in France were amazing, and you could feel the energy the whole way around the course. It’s been a tough race, but a good one to build from heading into the next round.”
1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 3:40:50
2. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 3:41:38 +0:48
3. Teodor Kabakchiev (Sherco) 3:58:43 +6:49
4. Mario Roman (Husqvarna) 3:56:30 +4:36
5. Wade Young (KTM) 4:03:12 +11:18
Provisional Standings – 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship (after 1 of 9 rounds)
1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 29 pts
2. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 28 pts
2. Teodor Kabakchiev (Sherco) 22 pts
4. Mitch Brightmore (GASGAS) 20 pts
5. Ashton Brightmore (GASGAS) 17 pts
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