On The Pegs September 2019 - Volume 4 - Issue 9 | Page 59

On The Pegs
ETTENBICHLER
Vol. 4 Issue 9 - September 2019
59
G
ermany’s Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) takes con-
trol of the World Enduro Super Series lead with
victory at round five’s Red Bull Romaniacs. Secur-
ing the win on the final day of racing in Romania, Letten-
bichler claimed his debut victory in WESS. He was joined
on the podium by Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory
Racing’s Alfredo Gomez (ESP) and Graham Jarvis (GB).
Holding the provisional lead at the end of the penul-
timate day, Lettenbichler was determined to claim the
top step of the podium on the final day of racing. With a
slender one-minute and seven-second lead over Gomez,
the German pushed hard from the off and following the
early climbs maintained his position at the front.
Gomez appeared to struggle to find his rhythm early
on, dropping back behind a charging Jonny Walker (GB).
The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider was on top form
and provisionally led on corrected time entering the ser-
vice point.
Rain Challenges All
But with heavy rain greeting riders, the already chal-
lenging trails proved slippery and unpredictable. Gomez
found his rhythm in the rain and brought the fight back
to Lettenbichler. The duo swapped and changed position
with each passing section.
Lettenbichler entered the Gusterita finishing arena first
and worked hard to complete the remaining climbs as
quickly as possible. Anxiously waiting for Gomez to arrive,
the KTM rider kept one eye on the clock and one on his
rival as the seconds ticked by.
The nerves soon turned to joy and with Lettenbichler
declared the winner, the celebrations could begin. For
Gomez it was a case of close, but not close enough. De-
spite giving his best effort on arguably the toughest day
of this year’s race it was not to be and he had to settle for
the runner-up result. Putting hopes of another victory in