Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt has ended the 2025 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship as vice-champion thanks to a superb third-place finish at the Roof of Africa – the seventh and final round of the season.
With the outcome of this year’s FIM HEWC set to be decided at the season-ending race in Lesotho, Billy was determined to secure the runner-up result in the championship on his TE 300. Arriving at round seven in second position, with just one point in hand over his closest rival, Mitch Brightmore, Bolt was focused on the task ahead of him during the three-day event.
Always a favourite for prologue honours, Billy hit the ground running on the opening day of racing by claiming the win, and with it, three important championship points. Faced with a short but challenging time trial loop in the mountains, which would need to be completed twice, Billy immediately set the pace on the first timed run. Bettering his performance on the second outing, he topped the timesheets and looked forward to the two remaining days to come.
An early start for day two saw competitors set out on a five-hour-long course in the mountains. A day where navigation proved key in the Lesotho wilderness, Billy was hampered by his early starting position. Despite a strong ride, he lost some time to end his day in 13th.
Regrouping for the third and final day, Billy went all out on his TE 300 and raced his way back into podium contention. Charging his way through the field of riders in front of him, he quickly caught up to the leading group. Perfectly executing the latter stages of the race, Billy took the day three win, and with it secured third overall in this year’s Roof of Africa. As a result, he was able to confirm himself as vice-champion in the 2025 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship.
With the outdoor season now complete, the Husqvarna Factory Racing team can look forward to the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship, beginning on December 13 in Poland, where Billy will begin his bid for a record-equalling sixth consecutive world title.
Billy Bolt: “Overall I’m pleased with how I rode and I’m really happy to have secured second in the championship. The Roof of Africa is an incredible race, too. Although I know South Africa well, I’m taken aback by how spectacular this region is. I rode here before in 2016, but I don’t quite remember it, so this race, the terrain, mountains, and everything about it is special. I knew for the final day I would have to push hard early on, so I did my best to go for it. I pushed the pace, worked my way to the front, and I put myself back into podium contention. Overall, I’m satisfied with my season and pleased to have secured second. I felt the high points showed me at my best, and I managed to bring the fight to Mani more consistently, too. Now the focus is on SuperEnduro, which begins in less than three weeks. I’m looking forward to it.”
Provisional Results: FIM HEWC, Round 7 – Roof of Africa
1. James Moore (KTM) 10:42:08
2. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 10:44:00
3. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 10:48:00
4. Mario Roman (Sherco) 10:49:01
5. Mitch Brightmore (GASGAS) 10:50:17
Provisional Standings – 2025 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship (after 7 of 7 rounds)
1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 199pts
2. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 153pts
3. Mitch Brightmore (GASGAS) 142pts
4. Mario Roman (Sherco) 131pts
5. Wade Young (GASGAS) 97pts
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