Hannemann claims his first Hardenduro victory in Meltewitz

The DOWATEK HardEnduroSeries Germany 2024 continues to be a box of surprises, with many unexpected developments during the races. The first surprise came two days before the race when Fynn Hannemann confirmed his participation. Until 2023, he had been a regular in the series but switched to Classic Enduro this year and recently secured his first daily victory in the Junior category of the German Enduro Championship. Also back in the mix was Charlie Frost; the Brit had previously been unable to compete due to scheduling conflicts.

Both benefited from the fast conditions, as the warm, dry weather made the already quick course even smoother this year. However, there were still several Hardenduro sections that reflected the character of the Melz Exdrähm.

Facts, MelzExdraehm Meltewitz 22.09.2024

Weather: 23 degrees, sunny

ACE Bikes Prolog Award Winner: Henry Strauss (KTM)

Winner: Fynn Hannemann

Fastest Lap: Fynn Hannemann (BETA) , 25:54,433

Strauss with a sensational time in the ACE Bikes Prologue Award

With an outstanding time, Henry Strauss opened the ACE Bikes Prologue Award. The remaining 110 participants struggled to keep up with the DOWATEK rider. Even Charlie Frost and Leon Hentschel couldn't match the time. Only Fynn Hannemann managed to get closer, but he was still more than a second behind Strauss.

Close duels in the final

As in the previous year, the MelzExdrähm was held over a distance of 3 hours. Groups of 4 participants started on the track at 1-minute intervals. Already in the first lap, close duels developed at the front. Fynn Hannemann was able to use his speed from the Enduro Championship and gradually pulled away, securing his first-ever Hardenduro victory. Behind him, there were close battles between Strauss, Hentschel, and Frost. In a neck-and-neck race to the finish, Strauss secured second place ahead of Hentschel and Frost. 

Going into the final, Henry Strauss leads with 6 points over Hentschel. However, in Schwepnitz, with a large crowd expected, everything is still wide open.

Premature Class Titles

In the classes, there were several title decisions. Leon Hentschel (Pro), Henry Strauss (Juniors), and Eva Täuber (Women) have already secured their titles. Täuber also benefited from the withdrawal of her competitor Mara Franke.

The situation remains exciting in the amateurs, where another rider, Christiaan van den Berg, was able to achieve a daily victory, as well as in the seniors, where René Jerbach expanded his lead by 3 points to 6 points ahead of Andreas Pieper.

Entries for the final race in Schwepnitz on October 5, 2024, are open and can be submitted here: www.hardenduro-germany.de/onlinenennung-isegrim-enduro-schwepnitz-2024 .

In Schwepnitz, the championship awards ceremony and the race party will take place in the large festival tent in the evening.

Current information about the DOWATEK HardEnduroSeries Germany can always be found at www.hardenduro-germany.de and on social media.

Photos: Michel238pic/Michel Kuchel, GrenzNic640/Nicolas Gessner