After a year's hiatus, the DOWATEK HardEnduroSeries Germany returns to Hamma on Saturday. The 300-soul community on the outskirts of Nordhausen is welcoming the HESG for the third time. With two victories, the track has been firmly in the hands of Kevin Gallas. However, since the former champion is no longer competing, all eyes are now on Sonny Goggia. Goggia has won both races of the 2024 season so far and leads the standings with 59 points, but has faced significantly more opposition from his German rivals than he had expected. In Hamma, he will once again be the favorite, as two of his competitors will not be competing. Felix Bähker re-injured his hand in Crimmitschau, which he had previously injured in the autumn. Lenny Geretzky has other commitments for the upcoming Red Bull Erzbergrodeo.
The role of the hunter is now taken over by Leon Hentschel, who currently sits in second place with 45 points. He was closely chasing Goggia in Crimmitschau. Also, Henry Strauss, in third place with 43 points, remains in contention. Strauss, the ACE Bikes HESG Talentpool rider, will especially want to be at the forefront in the prologue. In Crimmitschau, the fifteen-year-old achieved this feat for the first time.
Huster is back
One of the 136 listed participants is Paul-Erik Huster. The third-place finisher in the 2023 PRO category could not start due to scheduling conflicts but is now attempting to make up for lost points with his return in Hamma. It is also pleasing to note that over 30 local riders have registered as guest participants. They can demonstrate their skills on the challenging track and perhaps work towards a future entry into the series.
Paul-Erik Huster
Eight hours of racing action at the vineyard
For all fans, the trip to Hamma is worthwhile. In total, there are 8 hours of HardEnduro action in the South Harz region. It all starts as usual at 8:45 am with the ACE Bikes Prolog Award. The final in the afternoon kicks off at 4:00 pm on the most demanding track of the day.
In the HESG Village, there are also, as always, several stands of the series sponsors. All further details are available on the event page www.hardenduro-germany.de/hamma-25-05-2024.
Current information about the DOWATEK HardEnduroSeries Germany can always be found at www.hardenduro-germany.de and on social media.
Photos: GrenzNic640/Silvio Gessner, Michel238pic/Michel Kuchel