The sixth season of the DOWATEK HardEnduroSeries Germany starts on Saturday in
Neuhaus-Schierschnitz. With over 250 registered riders, another exciting season is
expected. The online registration for this season opener, which is also the 25th event
in the series, had to be closed early because the maximum number of starters was
reached early on.
All the favourites will be at the start and will once again be fighting for the overall
victory. This year, all riders fighting for this prestigious victory are expected to come
from the Pro class. Back in the race are Max Faude and also Mirko Fabera. Fabera
was one of the top riders in the series until the 2019 season, but then suffered an
injury and needed some time to get fit again. During the winter months, however, he
showed in the Superenduro World Championship that he is once again a force to be
reckoned with. He now wants to prove this for his Kadelack team in the HESG. Faude
changed motorbike brands during the winter and will now compete with a KTM. Leon
Hentschel had injured himself last year and was therefore unable to compete in the
second half of the season. Now he wanted to get going again, but injured himself
again and will be out for at least the first two races.
But all the top riders from last season are back at the start. The question will be
whether Marc Wulf can continue his upward trend and, after winning for the first
time last year in Meltewitz, catch up with defending champion Kevin Gallas again this
year. Milan Schmüser, last year's junior winner and now also competing in the pro
class, will try to do the same. Paul-Erik Huster should not be underestimated either,
he narrowly missed out on third place in the 2022 season.
In addition to the established stars, there are also some newcomers to the series,
including Markus Ludwig. The former DM rider is entering new territory in extreme
enduro, but he can quickly adapt to the conditions.
In any case, Kevin Gallas is also once again one of the favourites, as he will certainly
be aiming for his third series title.
Who will follow Milan Schmüser in the juniors?
The cards have been completely reshuffled in the juniors. Milan Schmüser has to
move up to the pro class after winning the class title last year. The same applies to
Louis Richter who, after many years in the junior class, is no longer eligible to
compete there due to his age.
On paper, Eric Seifert from the Erzgebirge is now the favourite. He showed consistent
performances in the juniors last year. At the end of 2022, however, two other juniors,
Felix Bähker and Lenny Geretzky, came close. Geretzky is also already in racing
rhythm, having contested the entire Junior Superenduro World Championship for his
Italian team TTR.
But Fynn Hannemann and the Strauss siblings Felix and Henry should not be
underestimated either. Or a completely different rider will come to the front - there
should be no lack of excitement in the juniors.
Also new mixed cards in the seniors
There will definitely be a new champion in the senior class, as neither defending
champion Rene Dietrich or Dirk Peter will be competing. Timo Jungmann, the
winner in 2021, is currently not listed for the season opener either. In addition, Rene
Jerbach from Estonia is prevented from competing but will return later in the season.
Therefore, Tino Bauer and Rudolf Stütz are the favourites for the time being.
However, a new surprise may also develop in the seniors.
Amateurs and Ladies ahead of second HESG season
Most of the participants will again start in the amateur class. The amateur class has
many newcomers, which is why it is difficult to determine a favourite in advance.
However, Michi Breu will certainly be at the front again. In the women's category,
there will be a new title holder, as last year's champion Maria Franke has not entered.
Therefore, Julia Bittner and Eva Täuber are the favourites.
Well-filled HESG Kids classes
To conclude our presentation, we also want to take a look at the HESG Kids. The
three classes (50cc, 65cc and 85cc) are much better filled this year.
Especially in the 85cc bikes there are some starters who want to beat Raven Lippold
in the second year. Noah Rübesamen, Max Eppelmann and Linus Albert, among
others, will be fighting close battles. Felix Hissenauer will also intervene sporadically
in these duels.
Eric Keller wants to win his second title in the 65cc class. Last year, he scored the full
number of points in all the races. Theodor Kis would still be happy to have a
competitor in the 50cc classes. At the season opener, however, there will at least be
another guest rider in the form of Moritz Albert.
We will find out who has done the best training over the winter on Saturday, 01.04. in
Neuhaus-Schierschnitz.
Up-to-date information on the DOWATEK HardEnduroSeries Germany can always
be found at www.hardenduro-germany.de and in the social media.